BBC Media Tech set to cut about 150 jobs

The BBC is preparing to cut about 150 jobs from its technology division as the broadcaster moves ahead with a wider plan to eliminate 2,000 positions and reduce costs by £500 million (about $660.8 million U.S.), according to a report by Deadline.

About 151 employees are expected to leave BBC Media Tech through voluntary redundancy, often referred to as a “buyout” in the U.S., representing roughly 4% of the unit’s workforce. The division supports digital services including BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

The departures are expected to generate about £14.5 million ($19.1 million) in savings over the coming years.

Interest in the voluntary redundancy program was significantly higher than the number of positions the BBC plans to eliminate. About 11% of Media Tech employees applied, though only around 40% of those applications can be accepted.

Additional changes within BBC Media Tech are expected to be announced in the coming days as the broadcaster provides more details about its cost-cutting strategy.

The BBC is also considering a process known as “bumping,” in which an employee approved for voluntary redundancy could leave while another staff member facing compulsory redundancy moves into the vacated role.

The cuts come amid broader uncertainty surrounding the BBC’s technology operations.

The broadcaster previously explored plans under the codename Project Ada that could have outsourced thousands of non-content jobs or transformed Media Tech into a separate commercial operation. Discussion around that proposal has quieted following leadership changes at the BBC.

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Other divisions are also facing reductions. BBC Sport recently informed employees about planned redundancies and cuts to sports bulletins on the BBC News channel, while additional television and radio service closures are expected to be announced.

The BBC’s current £500 million savings target builds on an earlier £1.5 billion cost-reduction plan. The broadcaster has pointed to pressure on its licence-fee funding model, noting that while 94% of the United Kingdom population uses BBC services each month, fewer than 80% pay the annual £180 licence fee.