This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Business News Media
BBC announces latest cost saving measures
By Chris Cooke | Published on Thursday 3 November 2022
The BBC has announced plans to give up some of its buildings as part of a wider mission to “deliver a simpler, leaner and more efficient organisation”. By which, it means, to save cash of course. Because of, you know, the current UK government’s official policy of “we really hate the BBC, so let’s slash the licence fee!”
This property downsizing will see the broadcaster leave Wogan House, the building next to its London hub at Broadcasting House that is the current base of Radio 2 and 6 Music. Previously known as Western House, it was renamed in honour of the late BBC broadcaster Terry Wogan after his death in 2016. Most of the programmes currently made in Wogan House will move to studios next door in Broadcasting House.
Up north, the BBC is also giving up Bridge House in the MediaCity complex in Salford, which currently houses teams that make children’s, education and sports programmes. Those staff will relocate to other buildings within MediaCity.
As well as saving money, the Beeb says cutting its property portfolio will also have environmental benefits. It states: “A reduction in the size of the estate will help deliver the BBC’s net zero commitments as a smaller property footprint will lead to a reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions”. Although presumably other companies will move into those buildings, and they’ll continue to use energy and stuff. But that won’t bother the BBC’s own eco-stats, I guess.
This cost-saving move in terms of buildings follows an announcement earlier this week regarding budget cuts within the BBC’s network of local radio stations in England.
The total number of shows broadcast on that network will be cut, with local stations in each region sharing programmes for big chunks of the day, and a single programme being broadcast across the network from 10pm each weekday.
