BBC to Cut 550 Jobs and Reduce Commissioning Spend by More Than $100 Million as Part of Savings Plan, New Director General Says

Jun 17, 2026 6:44am PT BBC to Cut 550 Jobs and Reduce Commissioning Spend by More Than $100 Million as Part of Savings Plan, New Director General Says

By Ellise Shafer

Plus Icon

Ellise Shafer

Latest

BBC to Cut 550 Jobs and Reduce Commissioning Spend by More Than $100 Million as Part of Savings Plan, New Director General Says 16 minutes ago
TikTok Sets Cannes Lions Creator Lineup With Tineke Younger, Morgan Jay, Katie Fang and More (EXCLUSIVE) 1 hour ago
Harry Styles Trades Disco for Classical and Plays Some Deep Cuts (Plus Simon & Garfunkel) in Heavenly, Intimate Orchestra Show: Concert Review 4 hours ago

See All

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Newly-appointed BBC Director General, Matt Brittin, speaks to the media outside Broadcasting House as he arrives on the first day in his new role, on May 18, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. Today former Google executive Matt Brittin assumes his role as the BBC's latest Director General, after Tim Davie resigned from the post last year over a leaked memo, which levied allegations of "systemic" bias in the outlet's news coverage of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and transgender issues. Brittin is taking up his post as the organization faces a slew of rising challenges to its business, including a $5 billion lawsuit from Trump over the Panorama episode, and last month's announcement that up to 2,000 staff would be cut amid "significant financial pressures" due to high production costs, a fall in income, and a rapidly changing media landscape. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Getty Images

New BBC director general Matt Brittin has outlined the first phase of his savings plan for the broadcaster, which includes cutting jobs, commissioning spend and already existing programs.

In a memo to staff on Wednesday, Brittin — a former Google executive who started in the post last month — announced that 550 roles would be eliminated across the News, Nations and Content divisions by the start of 2027-28 and the amount of money spent on commissioning programs and series would be reduced by by £80 million ($107 million). This is part of Brittin’s goal to shave £500 million ($670 million) of spending over the next three years.

BBC to Cut 550 Jobs and Reduce Commissioning Spend by More Than $100 Million as Part of Savings Plan, New Director General Says

Ellise Shafer

Latest

Related Stories

Vans Releases 'Kpop Demon Hunters' Collection Inspired by Hit Song 'Golden'

Related Articles

How ‘Your Fault: London’ Star Matthew Broome Found His Version of Nick in the Beloved Franchise

Toy Story 5 splits critics, but most praise its 'cautionary' message about tech

Indigenous Activists Are Trying to Save Our Planet. We Have to Listen

BBC announces 550 job cuts as first part of £500m savings plan