BBC Media Tech to Cut £37M, 110 Staff Face Compulsory Redundancy
BBC Media Tech announces £37M savings, with 110 compulsory redundancies and 35 vacancies closed, as the BBC pursues a £500M target.
BBC Media Tech has announced a fresh £37 million ($50 million) round of savings, following £42 million of cuts delivered earlier this year. Around 110 staff in the unit will face compulsory redundancy, and 35 vacancies will be closed.
The BBC expects a further 180 Media Tech layoffs through voluntary redundancy, including 150 previously reported. The unit will also need to find an additional £23 million of savings in early 2027.
In total, BBC Media Tech will contribute £102 million of savings to the corporation's overall £500 million target. The BBC must deliver these savings because of a growing number of Brits refusing to pay the licence fee.
According to Kelly Kowal, the BBC's chief operations and portfolio officer, the tech division will embrace AI to reduce costs. The unit is expected to focus on fewer products and push more resource into boosting iPlayer.
Director general Matt Brittin has been candid about the need to improve iPlayer recommendations and user experience. Kowal told staff the choices were difficult and that the BBC would be caring, respectful and considered.
Quick answers
How many jobs are being cut at BBC Media Tech?
Around 110 staff face compulsory redundancy, and 35 vacancies will be closed. A further 180 layoffs are expected through voluntary redundancy, including 150 previously reported.
Why is the BBC making these savings?
The BBC must deliver the savings because of a growing number of Brits refusing to pay the licence fee.
How will AI be used at BBC Media Tech?
According to Kelly Kowal, the tech division will embrace AI to reduce costs.