Newsnight Faces Reductions as BBC Implements Savings Plan
BBC's Newsnight program on BBC Two will undergo significant changes to cut costs. These changes include reducing the show's length by 10 minutes, removing dedicated reporters, and prioritizing studio debates over investigative films.
As part of the restructuring, the News at One will expand to one hour and air from Salford. The BBC plans to increase its investment in digital journalism.
Deborah Turness, head of BBC News, cited financial difficulties and a shift by audiences to online news as reasons for the difficult decisions. The NUJ expressed concerns over the impact on investigative journalism. The cuts are part of larger efforts to save £500 million, necessitated by a freeze in TV license fees and rising inflation.
Newsnight's team will be reduced to 23, but the show will still tap into the BBC's broader reporting resources. Turness emphasized the program's continuation due to its significance as a BBC brand, with a new focus on debates and interviews.
An additional £5 million will be allocated to digital initiatives, aiming to enhance the BBC's online presence. Despite the cost-cutting measures, 20 new jobs are expected to be added within BBC News.
Plans also include creating a new investigations unit, expanding BBC Verify with experts in OSINT and policy analysis, appointing new editorial roles, and establishing a digital platform for in-depth journalism.
The NUJ acknowledged the importance of digital investment but remained concerned about reductions in investigative reporting. Former Newsnight figures and other journalists voiced their dismay, feeling the cuts undermined the show's legacy and impact.
The News at One's shift to Salford is another piece of the BBC's cost-saving puzzle. Acting BBC chair Dame Elan Closs Stephens recognized the tough choices necessary for the organization's sustainability.