BBC News presenters are said to be at risk of losing their jobs and are said to have to perform a “screen test” in order to remain in their position.
Reports claim that the BBC News and BBC World News channels are looking to cut around 70 jobs throughout the UK which include the roles of 14 presenters.
It’s said that these cuts will be part of the corporation’s plan to rebrand as a more digital-focused news service later on in the year.
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While viewers may be used to seeing a string of anchors across the news channels, there will instead be just five who will cover both domestic and global news following plans which have reportedly been discussed with unions.
(Image: BBC)
It’s claimed that the redundancy process has already started and anchors have to undergo a “screen test” should they wish to remain in their position.
Anchors are believed to be closely monitored during the 40-minute test and will be assessed based on their performance.
It’s claimed that the likes of Joanna Gosling who has worked at the corporation for over two decades could be affected by the cuts.
Last year, Joanna burst into tears live on air as she announced that the three young boys from the icy lake in the Solihull tragedy had died aged 11, 10, and eight.
(Image: BBC)
It’s reported that other news anchors including Ben Brown who has led the foreign news for some time is also at risk, despite previously reporting from the Russian capital during the fall of Communism in 1991 and working with the British troops in Iraq back in 2003.
Meanwhile, Martine Croxall who has been at the Beeb for over three decades and Shaun Ley are also said to be in the firing line.
A source told i News: “We’ve never had to reapply for our roles before, it’s the BBC making us jump through hoops.”
Reports suggest that bosses at the BBC will be saving more than £1 million per year by slimming down the number of anchors on screens.
(Image: BBC)
However, it’s understood that broadcasters including Fiona Bruce, Clive Myrie and Huw Edwards who are frequent faces across the network are safe and have been informed they needn’t reapply for their positions.
While there will be fewer anchors on screens, it’s believed that the BBC News channel will include a “visualisation” of Nicky Campbell’s BBC Radio 5 Live programme which airs on weekday mornings.
The show will be broadcasted from London during the UK daytime as well as in Singapore and Washington DC throughout the 24-hour news cycle.
Naja Nielson, digital director at the BBC said: “he way audiences consume news is changing. Our aim is to create the best live and breaking video news service in the world – on our webpages, our apps, on BBC iPlayer and on our new TV news channel.”
The BBC were approached for comment.
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