BBC NEWS CUTS

If the BBC can prove that it can run a simpler service cheaper, then fine, but since they've had to work this out since 2016, it's a bit silly to announce a different set of cuts every few months to further frighten staff that they might be next.

The simplified service on the News Channel is alright, I enjoy Simon, Jane, Reeta, Ben and Martine in the afternoons. But it's not just about that. If they are going to reduce the number of presenters they have, I doubt it will be many of the senior figures. It'll probably be business presenters or weekend covers. Of course, it's not very practical to have presenters come in to present two days a week when their salary was negotiated when they were working four days a week.

The big loss in my opinion, in terms of viewership, is these extra simulcasts. They work for money, but I genuinely can't help but think why on Earth would someone from the US watch World News at 10am (UK time) when the main story will (post COVID) be about Steve from Scarbourgh being arrested for stealing some pineapple from Tesco.

Two hours of outside source in the evening. I've tried my best not to moan about the programme but it's not just any old branded version of generic news like Afternoon Live is, it's a man or woman touching a screen for a couple of hours. I've never made it through 30 minutes of it, I think an hour of it will be fine thanks.

I hope The Papers can in future return to E and be done properly. But, when they say that they are reducing studio needs, I have a very small incline that Newsnight might remain in E.

Will Afternoon Live and News at Five return? My moneys on no. We shall wait and see.

I’m happy that elements of the Covid-19 schedule will be becoming permanent, although it will be a shame to lose some of the on screen talent.

Like others I didn't even realise "The Andrew Neil Show" was a permanent fixture to be axed

It was one of those classic moves where they axe This Week, but then create a new show, so end up saving money and then spending money

With Andrew Marr, Politics Live and Newsnight is there really room for another political interview show every week anyway?

I definitely can’t see the 5 coming back now. There’s no way will they go back to having three different anchors in the afternoon. It would be a huge shame to lose Afternoon Live (but as long as Simon himself isn’t axed I will be fine, lol) but needs must.

Pretty devastating that 'Newsday' is getting the chop! We'll probably never see that studio again or Sharanjit Leyl present a bulletin.

It's all a bit ridiculous to have spent all that money on the greatest broadcasting centre in the world (NBH) and just 7 years on, slash the amount of studios it'll use and the people who work in it.

It's effectively being mothballed with Newsnight, Marr and World moving out permanently to less labour intensive studios.

Absolutely despicable! The most versatile studio at NBH gets mothballed! You couldn't make this up.

Ben Bland has a new job presenting a mobile bulletin on Quibi as his main job, though remains a relief presenter https://www.thewrap.com/bbc-quibi-ben-bland-host-around-the-world/

I agree entirely, but it's also probably the most expensive studio to run.

There are two big names that could be dropped. The first is Fiona Bruce. Although she's anchored more bulletins of late (for obvious reasons), she is usually tied up with Question Time, Antiques Roadshow and Fake or Fortune. Relieving her of her role on the Six/Ten is an obvious way to a) free up a slot or capacity for others and b) save money from the budget. I - for one - would be sorry to her go, but it's an easy way to achieve an end.

I'm going to tread very carefully with this, lest anybody misinterpret what I'm saying. The second option would be George Alagiah. Notwithstanding any health concerns, he's carved out a rather nice little niche for himself as a novelist (far better than Tom Bradby's offerings...) and a recent interview revealed he was working on another book. I'd be sorry to see his rather laid back and relaxed delivery go.

The Six and the Ten could easily be covered by Huw, Sophie, Clive and Reeta. From a PR perspective, it would also demonstrate the BBC's commitment to diversity by boosting BAME representation on their flagship broadcasts. The One could then be left to Simon, Jane and whomever else is available.

There's also the little matter of the Government's Daily Press Briefings and finding someone to front those. There have been plenty of names thrown around. If it happened to be a BBC journalist, well, that's another name struck from the list and a saving to be made.

I know it may appear crass to some to discuss this, but I'm just being realistic. There are ways to achieve multiple ends without really changing much at all (the old 'natural wastage' line that used to be peddled out). This an entire exercise may prove a useful way of making the BBC more representative of society in general.

..... but with 520 jobs going in News and multimillion savings to be made something has to give.

Whilst we are bemoaning the sad loss (and it is a sad loss, can’t deny) of some great on-screen talent, let’s not forget that for every one of those we lose, there are three dozen others behind the scenes who will lose their jobs as well.

It’s tragic. Some would say that BBC News is already stretched to the limit. Goodness knows what it’ll be like with almost 500 people going.

Journalists, directors, producers, editors, technical staff, camera and sound staff, writers, floor managers, online staff, tradespeople, translators, fixers, production assistants..........and much, much more.

Very sad indeed and my heart bleeds for the great folk on both sides of the camera who will lose their livelihoods.

Not just the “stars”.