Actor David Morrissey has spoken out against the latest round of BBC cuts, which may result in as many as 2,000 jobs being lost across the corporation.
It was announced on Wednesday (17 June) that the BBC would be implementing a major downsizing plan, with the aim of saving £160m by the end of the financial year.
The announcement includes 550 job losses across BBC’s News, TV and radio divisions, with 1,800 to 2,000 jobs cut across the business. Specific programming cutbacks were also announced, with six Radio 4 shows – including the longstanding series The World Tonight, as well as the Midnight News, Money Box Live, AntiSocial, The Law Show, and Crossing Continents – on the chopping block.
open image in galleryMorrissey, an acclaimed actor who was most recently seen in Channel 4’s provocative drama Tip Toe, shared his thoughts on the news on social media.
“We should all be very concerned and worried about what’s happening at the BBC,” the actor wrote on X/Twitter. “It’s something to be protected and proud of.
“Of course it’s made mistakes and they need addressing, but hammering it into the ground is not the answer!”
Other figures have also criticised the cuts, including Labour MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, who wrote: “More brutal BBC cuts will be devastating for workers and audiences. With the charter renewal on the horizon, now is the time to strengthen the BBC’s future, not weaken it.”
Radio 4 presenter David Aaronovitch wrote: “The cuts just announced at the BBC are, as expected, a decimation of its journalistic output. That’s what happens when government refuses to allow it to be funded in order to preserve programmes and talented and experienced staff. Great news though for liars and propaganda channels.”
Recent years have seen unprecedented financial pressures exerted on the UK’s public broadcaster, amid a sharp decline in licence fee income over the past decade.
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open image in galleryIn March, the BBC said that its funding model was “not sustainable and needs reform”.
Matt Brittin, the newly appointed director general of the Beeb, told staff in an email that the “scale of savings requires tough choices, careful work and won’t all be ready at once”.
“We are committed to letting you know as soon as we have plans in your area. All divisions will be making significant savings,” he said. “We live in very uncertain times. Our audiences rely on us every day to keep them informed, entertained and equipped to make sense of the world.
“Making savings while fulfilling our mission means a doubly difficult time for everyone. Do speak to your leaders and use the support that’s available. In the meantime, thank you for all you are doing.”