There’s been a strong backlash to the BBC’s plans to effectively replace their two existing news channels with a new, globally focused service.
The BBC plans to launch its new replacement news service in April 2023.
But there are already concerns that this will mean less coverage of UK news stories, in favour of content that’s relevant to international audiences and advertisers.
The UK version of the channel would be ad-free and carry opt-outs, for example for the main BBC News bulletins and a new simulcast of BBC Radio 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell show.
The National Union of Journalists says 143 journalism roles and 19 presenter positions will be axed. There is unease among existing BBC staff who face having to re-apply for one of the remaining roles.
But jobs would be created elsewhere, as positions are moved from London to Singapore and Washington. Under the proposals more of the BBC’s overnight output would be moved out of London. Already, BBC News and BBC World News simulcast Newsday from Singapore at 23:00, 00:00 and 01:00 UK time.
Broadcast regulator Ofcom hasn’t yet commented on the proposals, which it will need to scrutinise as part of its regulatory remit.
Paul Siegert, the NUJ’s national broadcasting organiser said:
“The current fluid events in Parliament illustrate all too clearly why there is a need for a dedicated rolling news service for UK audiences and why plans for a new channel covering both UK and world news simply won’t work. It was proposed before and dropped. We call on the BBC to again rethink this cost cutting idea.
“Today’s announcement has come as a huge blow to the journalists and presenters who work on the BBC News Channel and BBC World News. To close 143 journalism roles and axe 19 presenter positions mean it will be impossible for the new channel to have the same high standards of journalism that the two current channels are known for around the globe. The NUJ is also concerned about moving jobs currently based in London to Washington and Singapore and reminds decision makers that BBC stands for the British Broadcasting Corporation.”