The BBC is said to have sent backup letters to its top presenting stars, which sent shockwaves throughout the corporation.
The move is said to be part of the group’s cost-savings mission, which includes reducing spending on the news division.
On Saturday night (April 15), Letters reports that the BBC’s interim managing editor for news and current affairs, Philippa Busby, has written to all of their senior radio and television presenters asking them to watch consider voluntary reserve status.
The publication reported that Huw Edwards, Clive Myrie and Sophie Raworth were among those who received the letter. independence have contacted their representatives for comment.
Busby’s letter, which was seen by the publication, said: “As you know, in 2022 we have announced some changes to BBC News which means that some colleagues are at risk of being fired. waste, including some colleagues in the role of presenters. “
A news source said: “Emails are sent to all the senior news presenters and presenters in the band directly below. Everyone received it on the same day.
Insiders also said the letters had made the already low morale of the newsroom even worse.
Edwards has received a lot of praise recently for covering the Queen’s death, while Myrie’s coverage of the war in Ukraine is exceptional.
Stars had until last Friday (April 7) to register their interest in receiving a backup offer.
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A BBC spokesman said: independence: “This is not about any new job cuts – it is a standard HR exercise related to savings that we have previously announced – and it is not targeted at any individual. which kernel; we have to send it to all our classmates.
“We’re looking for excess expressions of interest, don’t provide it and not any or all who come forward will be accepted.”
Many parts of the BBC have been threatened with cuts. Last month, a major musician’s union described the proposed cuts to the BBC’s classical ensembles as “absolutely devastating”.
BBC Broadcaster in London
(Archive PA)
The BBC has announced plans to phase out its in-house chamber choir, the BBC Singers, and reduce its paid orchestra positions in the BBC’s English Orchestra by around 20%.
The corporation later rejected the decision to remove the chamber choir after pressure from musicians, the public and politicians.
This is the BBC’s second U-turn in March, after it was suspended and then reinstated Match of the day presenter Gary Lineker about using social media to criticize the Conservative government’s asylum policy.
