BBC News is shifting its focus towards digital journalism, enhancing its streaming services on iPlayer and the BBC News app. This change aims to cater to the evolving habits of news consumers, who are increasingly favoring online platforms over traditional TV.
Investigations and Verification Expansion
The network is establishing a new BBC News Investigations unit and bolstering areas like BBC Verify. These initiatives will introduce new reporting and production roles, emphasizing in-depth and verified news content.
Responding to Financial Challenges
With a flat Licence Fee settlement and rising inflation, BBC News needs to make £500 million in savings. This financial pressure is driving the organization’s evolution from broadcast to digital journalism.
Deborah Turness’s Statement
Deborah Turness, CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, acknowledges the tough financial climate and the audience’s shift from TV to online news. She emphasizes the need to allocate resources to digital platforms while maintaining the importance of TV and radio.
Reformatting Newsnight
Based on audience feedback, Newsnight will be reformatted into a 30-minute show focusing on interviews, debates, and discussions. This change, however, will lead to the closure of several roles in Newsnight’s team.
New Investigative Unit and Digital Experience
The new BBC News Investigations Unit will consolidate investigative journalism across the network. Additionally, a digital experience will be created to offer in-depth analysis and premium content from global experts.
Extending Broadcast Journalism Online
The plan includes enhancing 24/7 digital journalism and streaming quality, ensuring that BBC journalism is accessible around the clock.
National News from Salford
The BBC News at One will extend to an hour-long edition and relocate to Salford, marking a significant shift of a daily national news bulletin outside London.
Restructuring and Specialized Roles
The restructure will focus on digital storytelling and live coverage, reducing television packaging. New specialized roles will be added, including a UK Editor in Salford, a Royal Editor, and correspondents for AI, financial and political investigations, employment, and housing.
Content Commission Reduction
The BBC’s Annual Plan includes a reduction of 1,000 hours in content commissions, impacting current affairs programming and leading to the closure of the Our World strand and a reduction in single documentaries for BBC Two. Panorama will continue as the flagship current affairs brand on BBC One.
News source: https://www.bbc.com/news
