BBC Sport journalists are said to have been left furious by the “insulting” changes, with services axed and staffs jobs now at risk according to reports
BBC Sport journalists have reportedly been left furious at an “insulting” written exercise to reapply for their jobs.
Staff at BBC Sport have been told their roles are at risk with seven journalists’ jobs set to be cut – including four senior positions – as part of drastic cost-cutting measures. Sport bulletins on the 24-hour BBC News channel will also be cut as part of the drive to save money.
And, according to various reports including in The Times and Daily Mail, the cuts are likely to mean staff will have to reapply for their current jobs, leaving staff furious – with some journalists even considering strike action.
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BBC Sport staff will learn about the broadcasters plans for the future during a 2pm meeting on Wednesday BBC Sport’s HQ at Media City in Salford.
An insider told the Daily Mail: “This is the systematic dismantling of TV sports news at the BBC as we know it.” And their report adds staff were told that they will not be able to work four-day weeks and will instead be expected to work across five days.
The view, among staff, is that they already work 40 hours across four days and the five day demand is evidence that chiefs do not understand how television operates.
There have been a series of changes across BBC Sport in recent months under Alex Kay-Jelski. Earlier this month, beloved programme Ski Sunday was axed.
The BBC said: “Since its debut in 1978, Ski Sunday has become an iconic part of the winter sports calendar, bringing the excitement, drama and beauty of the action on the snow to audiences across the UK.
“Changing audience behaviours and the tough financial decisions needed to meet savings requirements mean BBC Sport must continually review how it delivers value for licence-fee payers and serves audiences across all platforms. This decision forms part of that process.”
It was the latest in a series of events that have been dropped, including the Commonwealth Games, the Boat Race and the Rugby League World Cup. Meanwhile Football Focus was also axed after the end of last season.