Cut to funding is "hammer blow" for BBC, says NUJ

  • 31 Aug 2021

Union reacts to news of proposed cut to BBC funding via the licence fee.

Paul Siegert NUJ national broadcasting organiser, said:

"If these stories are true then a below inflation increase would be a hammer blow for the BBC. The corporation has proved itself to be an essential component of British society especially during the global health pandemic and audiences have been glued to their services when the country has been put under lockdown.

"Cutting funding to the BBC, via a below inflation rise in the licence fee, will mean the BBC will be able to offer less to the public - less local and national news, less journalism, less on the radio, website and TV, and less diversity and less quality programming and output.

"There is certainly the money available to sufficiently finance the BBC, it is the political will and support that has been shortcoming. This is the first real test Tim Davie has faced since becoming Director General and if this is the outcome then he has been found sadly wanting."

In real terms, the funding of the BBC has already been cut by around 25 per cent since 2010. BBC News has already had to cut £85m from his budget and earlier this month staff agreed to accept a below inflation across the board pay rise.

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