BBC to cut 1000 jobs over license fee shortfall

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 10 years ago

ISLAMABAD: The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is all set to cut around 1,000 jobs because of a £150m budget gap in its license fee income.

An unexpected increase in the number of households saying they do not watch live TV so do not pay for a license has been blamed for the shortfall, the BBC reported on its website.

“Many cuts are to come from professional and support areas, while management structures will be streamlined,” it said.

BBC Director General Tony Hall said the job cuts would help save around £50m a year so more cuts will come.

“Despite the progress already made, and the realities of the license fee being frozen for seven years, a new financial challenge means additional savings must now be found,” he said.

Explore Further

Family and team revive Arshad Sharif’s YouTube channel

December 29, 2025: Arshad Sharif’s YouTube channel has been revived by his family with support from longtime colleagues, aiming to preserve his legacy through memories and personal stories, not news.

Journalism is lost in Balochistan, Freedom Network study finds

December 28, 2025: A new Freedom Network report finds journalism in Balochistan under severe pressure, citing censorship, violence, economic decline, and digital isolation across Pakistan’s largest province.

Journalists outraged over treatment of KP leaders in Punjab Assembly

December 27, 2025: Pakistani journalists condemn the treatment of a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa delegation at the Punjab Assembly, raising concerns over media ethics, inter-provincial respect, and political conduct.

10 reasons why journalism matters more in Pakistan in 2026

December 26, 2025: Despite rising threats and misinformation, journalism in Pakistan remains vital in 2026. Here are 10 reasons why independent reporting is crucial for public trust and accountability.

Media control at play on ARY News or a broadcast mishap

December 26, 2025: A video showing Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal briefly interrupted during a live ARY News interview has gone viral, prompting debate over media control and official clarifications.

Pakistani media in 2025 tested by layoffs, laws, and trust

December 25, 2025: An in-depth year-ender examining how Pakistani media navigated layoffs, legal pressure, censorship, and innovation in 2025, highlighting key reporting, risks, and what lies ahead.

Journalism at a crossroads as press freedom erodes in Pakistan

December 21, 2025: Pakistan’s journalism faces growing repression through intimidation, PECA cases, economic pressure, and enforced silences, raising urgent questions about press freedom.

Matiullah Jan calls out journalist unions over cozy ties with authorities

December 20, 2025: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticizes journalist union leadership at an Islamabad conference, calling for reform, youth inclusion, and a stronger collective response to Pakistan’s media crisis.

Newsroom

Bangladesh politicians allege state inaction in media attacks

December 29, 2025 Bangladeshi politicians allege state inaction over attacks on media houses, prompting press groups to demand accountability and stronger protections for journalists.

Journalists union says 76 reporters killed or wounded by Israeli forces

December 28, 2025 Palestinian Journalists Union says Israeli forces are silencing reporters through killings and injuries, raising urgent concerns over press freedom and safety in conflict zones.

Report says 706 journalists’ family members killed in Gaza

December 28, 2025 A Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate report warns that journalists’ relatives are being killed in strikes, raising grave press freedom, ethical, and legal concerns under international law.

CBS News leadership defends pulling 60 Minutes prison segment

December 27, 2025 CBS News leadership defended pulling a 60 Minutes segment on an El Salvador prison, citing fairness and trust, sparking criticism over editorial independence and newsroom pressure.

Independent media outlets expand influence as trust in news erodes

December 27, 2025 Industry research highlights the growing influence of independent and niche publishers as mainstream journalism faces declining trust, revenue pressures, and fragmented audiences worldwide.