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Home»BBC»Chaos at BBC News ahead of channel merger
BBC

Chaos at BBC News ahead of channel merger

23 January 2023

BBC bosses unable to provide answers, even to its own staff, of how the channel will serve UK viewers in the event of breaking news.

In three months’ time, BBC World News and BBC News Channel are due to complete their merger to create a single service for audiences in the UK and around the world. But, according to BBC sources speaking to The Sunday Times, the service could end up with “the softest launch, so as to be indiscernible”.

Under the BBC’s proposals, the new TV news service would offer opt-outs for viewers in the UK, carrying simulcasts of news programmes on BBC One and BBC Two. Outside of these simulcasts, the BBC is due to retain a back-up facility allowing the channel to breakout of the international schedule to show UK-specific breaking news.

The report cites sources within the BBC who say bosses are not able to say how this break-out stream will work. Staff fear the service will be under-resourced. On the new service, presenters will be expected to manually work the autocue.

Staff exodus

Meanwhile, a number of presenters, including David Eades and Joanna Gosling have already announced that they are leaving. Remaining presenters have had to undergo screen tests for a chance to appear on the merged BBC News service. Additionally, a number of senior producers are reportedly heading for the exit in April.

Already the BBC has been gradually stripping away elements of the BBC News Channel, removing favourites including The Film Review and The Papers. Most evening, overnight and weekend output is already shared across both news channels. This also indicates a soft-launch, with many of the most controversial changes out of the way before the official merger.

Ofcom says it is following developments closely.

There has been no public consultation on the changes.


Marc Thornham

Image: BBC News Channel screenshot

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RXTV info: Covering the reception and distribution of UK terrestrial TV (Freeview), cable, satellite and connected TV services for users and installers.

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25th January 2023

  • Channel 92 | Together TV+1 has moved multiplexes from COM5/ArqA to COM6/ArqB. The service broadcasts from 0500-0800 via linear TV. At other times, the service streams via the internet on compatible connected devices.

Other Freeview channel updates…

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BBC HD satellite changes:

Sky customers should contact Sky if they have any questions about their service.

  • BBC Alba HD begins testing by 2nd February. Launch 6th February (Freesat), 7th February (Sky).
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  • BBC One West Midlands HD begins testing by 2nd February. Launch 6th February (Freesat), 7th February (Sky).
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Regional timetable…

Latest updates: HDsatelliteupgrade.co.uk

 

  • Astra 2G, 28.2°E 11171 H (SR 22000, FEC 5/6, DVB-S, QPSK) Wild Earth HD (testing)
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