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BBC news and current affairs hit by yet another wave of job cuts


THE BBC is cutting more jobs, with a net reduction of 130 roles in its news and current affairs department. The latest moves include the end of interview programme Hardtalk, tech show Click and the Asian Network’s bespoke news service. The closures are part of a broader BBC plan to cut 500 jobs


across the corporation by March 2026 in order to save £700 million annually relative to 2022. The latest plans involve the loss of 185 positions in BBC news and current affairs teams, with 55 roles created. The NUJ has warned of long-term harm to the BBC without


urgent investment, following its announcement of fresh cuts to news and current affairs programming. In addition, millions of UK radio listeners will now get their


overnight news from the BBC World Service, including those listening to 5 Live, Radio 2 and the BBC’s 39 local radio stations. The NUJ is concerned that important domestic stories will be


lost in a much wider, global agenda. These UK-based bulletins have been part of the BBC’s radio service for well over 40 years and are now being scrapped for a minimal saving of only 2.5 posts. Further changes include the adoption of a Follow the Sun


strategy for some online news roles, where posts in Sydney will be opened to boost output for UK mornings – but most night


shifts in the London newsroom will be closed as a result. No details on plans for the World Service have been shared


by the BBC as it awaits information from the government on what funding it will receive as part of next year’s budget. The NUJ has repeated its call to Lisa Nandy, secretary of state


for culture, media and sport, to commit to urgent and suitable funding of the BBC that allows it to thrive in its role as a public service broadcaster without the frequent downscaling the corporation has to embark on, which directly impacts trusted journalism.


Orwell/NUJ awards for young journalists


YOUNG journalists who are studying or starting their careers are invited to enter The Orwell Society/ NUJ Young Journalists Award 2025. There are cash prizes for winners and runners-up in


two categories of columns and reviews. They will also get membership of the NUJ and The Orwell Society. Entering the competition


involves completing two written tasks.


The awards mark the work of George Orwell who was a journalist (and an NUJ member) as well as a leading novelist. You are eligible to enter if


you are a student journalist or employed or self-


employed as a journalist. Your date of birth must fall in or after 1995 and you must be a full-time UK resident. Entries are open until midnight March 24. To enter go to orwellsociety. com


JESS HURD “ Pay deal and a full recognition agreed at PA Media


THE UNION has finalised the detail of its recognition agreement with PA Media. This follows a decision by the central arbitration committee to grant automatic recognition earlier this year. The historic achievement


followed years of extensive campaigning by journalists committed to achieving collective bargaining rights at the company.


A pay deal has also been accepted by PA journalists


following a period of consultation. The agreement will also mean an active approach will be taken to tackling entrenched members’ concerns on terms and conditions. Emily Pennink and Jonathan Brady, NUJ PA chapel co-chairs, said: “We are delighted to have secured a pay deal and finalised a house agreement with the PA management in the same week.


summer, we knew we had our work cut out. “But we had a clear mandate from members to address their top priorities – low pay, lack of transparency and pay stagnation. “Many of them told us of


“Going into collective


bargaining negotiations hot on the heels of securing union recognition at PA in the


the profound effect the cost- of-living crisis was having on their everyday lives, and we wanted to convey to management the real-world consequences of rising inflation and the urgent need for action.


“We were pleased that


talks were positive, and the PA management listened to the concerns of members and worked with us to find an affordable package that had a chance of success when put to a vote. “The result, which was


overwhelmingly approved by members of the chapel, is a win for us but also a win for the company which we believe will be strengthened as a result.”


theJournalist | 05


The UK bulletins have been part of the BBC’s radio service for well over 40 years and are being scrapped


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