Some of the BBC’s biggest talents have received redundancy letters.
It is part of the corporation’s cost-cutting strategy, which includes overhauling its news business.
The BBC has asked all of its leading TV and radio presenters to contemplate voluntary redundancy.
According to the Mail on Sunday, Philippa Busby, the temporary managing editor of news and current affairs, contacted key figures with her letter.
Ms. Busby’s letter, seen on the website, said, “As you will be aware, in 2022 we announced a number of changes across BBC News, which have meant that some colleagues have been placed at risk of redundancy, including some colleagues in presenter roles.”
“The email is addressed to all senior news presenters and presenters on the band immediately below,” a source in the newsroom said on condition of anonymity. Everyone received it on the same day.”
They gave the speakers until last Friday to express their interest in a campaign to reduce the number of mandatory layoffs.
“We’re looking for expressions of interest in redundancy, not offering it,” the BBC stated, adding that “it’s not the case that any or all who came forward would be accepted.”
The BBC is facing a difficult future due to financing issues as well as a recent exodus of talent.
Earlier this month, 90% of Telegraph readers indicated they supported repealing the licencing fee, with many calling it “regressive and out of date.”
