Devendra Kumar
As the BBC continues to navigate its financial challenges, the corporation has announced plans to cut £500 million from its budget, with Newsnight being downsized to a 30-minute program. The long-running current affairs show will continue to air five days a week, but more than half of its 60 jobs will be eliminated. The decision to shorten Newsnight comes despite the program’s iconic status as a debate and discussion show.
The BBC’s aim is to transform its digital platforms, investing in investigative journalism and reporting to ensure its online news products are home to its best journalism. The corporation is shifting its focus towards digital storytelling and live coverage, with a reduction in “television packaging”. In addition, a new BBC News investigations unit will be created, and the BBC Verify section will be boosted with new reporting and production roles.
This move is part of the BBC’s effort to cut costs in the face of high inflation and a licence fee freeze. The corporation is also relocating an extended hour-long edition of BBC News At One to Salford, while BBC Breakfast will be extended by 15 minutes daily. The changes are expected to save the BBC £7.5 million.
Newsnight had been a staple of BBC Two for many years, with its evening broadcasts offering in-depth analysis and coverage of current events. Kirsty Wark, the show’s lead presenter for three decades, is stepping down after the next election, although she will continue to present other BBC shows. Emily Maitlis, a former Newsnight presenter, left the corporation in 2022 and now hosts her own podcast for rival media group Global.
The BBC has received criticism for its handling of some issues in the past, including a controversy surrounding a Newsnight broadcast on Dominic Cummings’ trip to Barnard Castle during the pandemic. Despite this, the corporation remains committed to its current affairs programming, with Panorama set to continue as the flagship current affairs brand on BBC One.