BBC to Lay Off 500 Employees by 2026

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) plans to lay off 500 employees by the end of March 2026, following a 10% reduction in its workforce over the past five years, amounting to around 2,000 jobs, the organization announced on Tuesday.

In its annual report, the BBC stated: "By the end of March 2026, we expect to see 500 job cuts."

In addition to the annual savings plan of £500 million ($594 million) announced two years ago, the BBC is implementing an additional cost-cutting plan worth up to £200 million ($237 million), announced last March.

The BBC, a major entity in the British audiovisual landscape, has faced criticism, particularly from conservatives who lost to the Labour Party in the general elections held on July 4.

Like other traditional media outlets, the BBC is losing its young audience to platforms and social networks, raising further questions about its funding model.

In March, Director-General Tim Davie indicated that the BBC is considering options to reform its license fee, its main source of funding, after 2028 when the current charter expires.