BBC shuts HARDtalk; plans to reduce 130 news roles

Along with HARDtalk, the BBC is closing Asian Network News service

by e4m Staff
Published: Oct 18, 2024 6:10 PM | 1 min read

The BBC has terminated its investigative journalism program HARDtalk after almost 30 years, according to media reports. The decision is part of the company’s plan to cut 130 news roles.

The layoffs come as the company is struggling with a deficit of £500M ($654M) due to challenging economic conditions.

In his statement, Davie called for further government support for international news. News chief Deborah Turness stated that the closure of HARDtalk, which will take place in five months, will "help" with the most recent round of layoffs to the hard-hit BBC News teams.

In addition to HARDtalk, the BBC is discontinuing its in-house Asian Network News service. In its place, the station will now broadcast Newsbeat bulletins and launch a brand-new, locally produced current affairs program.

The creation of Radio 5 Live and Radio 2 news bulletins will be synchronized, and domestic radio will begin accepting World Service summaries overnight instead of operating its own news services.

A total of 55 new roles will be established and 185 existing ones will be closed. The news team is saving £24 million, or around 4% of their budget. In the report, Turness stated that non-staff initiatives, such as cutting back on spending on contracts, suppliers, distribution, and physical facilities, will account for over 40% of these savings.