In response to changing news consumption habits and the shift towards online platforms, BBC News has outlined a series of savings and reinvestment plans aimed at enhancing its digital journalism capabilities including reducing Newsnight to 30 minutes.
The measures also include increased streaming offerings on BBC iPlayer and the BBC News app, the establishment of a new BBC News Investigations unit, and a focus on in-depth, analytical reporting.
The move comes as linear TV audiences have witnessed an 11% decline over the last five years. To address this shift and invest in online news, the BBC aims to make £500 million in savings due to the flat License Fee settlement and the impact of inflation.
BBC News CEO Deborah Turness highlighted the importance of allocating resources to digital platforms to meet the evolving needs of audiences. The announced measures include the reformatting of BBC Newsnight based on audience feedback, proposing the closure of certain roles within Newsnight’s reporting, production, and operational functions.
Despite the financial challenges, Newsnight will remain a nightly BBC Two TV program, transitioning into a 30-minute interview, debate, and discussion show. The closure of bespoke reporting teams for a single television program is justified by the changing news consumption landscape, with the focus shifting towards more diverse and digital platforms.
As part of the plans, a new BBC News Investigations Unit will consolidate investigative talent across BBC News, creating new roles in financial and political investigations. The initiative also involves a drive to bring the depth and analytical strength of BBC broadcast journalism to online audiences, offering a dedicated space for premium analysis, podcasts, and investigations.
To strengthen its commitment to serving the entire UK, an extended hour-long edition of the BBC News at One will relocate to Salford, marking the first time a daily BBC national news bulletin will be broadcast outside London. The restructuring of BBC News story teams in the UK aims to enhance digital storytelling and live coverage, focusing on digital-first content.
Despite the changes, the BBC reassures its commitment to delivering value to all audiences, maintaining its flagship current affairs brand, Panorama, on BBC One without changes in the number of hours. The Annual Plan sets out a reduction of 1,000 hours in content commissions, including the closure of the Our World strand on the News Channel and fewer hours of single documentaries on BBC Two.
