BBC Studios cuts 300 jobs

BBC Studios, the fledgling TV production arm of the UK public broadcaster, has announced restructuring plans that will result in around 300 job losses.

Mark Linsey

The cuts are being made as part of the pubcaster’s efforts to become “simpler, leaner and more adaptable” and protect programming budgets.

The job losses will occur for the most part in BBC Studios’ operations in England, with the pubcaster saying it will ensure BBC Studios runs as efficiently as possible.

The cuts mean that in some cases staff may need to be brought in for fixed periods for specific programmes, while in others staff will be retained to work on year-round programming.

Mark Linsey, director of BBC Studios, said: “A strong, creative and competitive BBC Studios is crucial to maintaining the BBC’s role as one of the world’s great programme makers, and we are committed to delivering the best content in all our genres. These plans will ensure we can compete successfully in the future.”

Subject to regulatory approval, BBC Studios will launch as a wholly owned subsidiary in 2017 and will be able to compete for work with other UK and international broadcasters, as well as the BBC.

The BBC added that due to financial challenges, restructuring would be necessary irrespective of BBC Studios becoming a commercial subsidiary.

Linsey was appointed to lead BBC Studios in March following Peter Salmon’s move to Endemol Shine.

A series of genre heads have been brought in since, including Nick Betts in scripted and Roger Leatham in entertainment.

The Studios arm of the pubcaster is moving towards a model that allows it to compete for commissions on other broadcasters against the private sector. It recently revealed a series of existing BBC shows that will be put out to tender having previously been produced in-house.