Skip to main content
BBC plans to slash journalism jobs 'beyond stupid'

BEEB Bosses are “beyond stupid,” union leaders have said amid plans to keep slashing journalists’ jobs while doling millions out to management.

The broadcaster’s year-on-year layoffs, mothballed programmes and budget cuts — branded “Delivering Quality First” — have long rankled the National Union of Journalists.

But general secretary Michelle Stanistreet voiced disbelief yesterday at a fresh purge of some 500 posts in News and the World Service, with most axed by April of next year — only to advertise 266 new vacancies.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Palestinians collect food from the wreckage of their tents following an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, June 30, 2026
Journalism / 7 July 2026
7 July 2026

IAN SINCLAIR examines the curious memory lapses across liberal media when it comes to British government crimes

PJ Harvey performing on the Pyramid stage, at the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset. Picture date: Friday June 28, 2024
Media / 23 December 2025
23 December 2025

On January 2 2014, PJ Harvey used her turn as guest editor of the Today programme to expose the realities of war, arms dealing and media complicity. The fury that followed showed how rare – and how threatening – such honesty is within Britain’s most Establishment broadcaster, says IAN SINCLAIR

Lebanese and Palestinian journalists take part in a protest against the killing of journalists in the Gaza Strip as they gather at the Martyrs square in downtown Beirut, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025
TUC Congress 2025 / 9 September 2025
9 September 2025

Speaking to the Morning Star’s Ceren Sagir, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists LAURA DAVISON outlines the threats to journalism from Palestine to Britain, and the unique challenges confronting the industry through the rise of AI

Bayern Munich's Harry Kane with The Bundesliga Meisterschale (championship shield) at the Allianz Arena, Munich, after his side won the Bundesliga title. Picture date: Saturday May 10, 2025
Men's Football / 22 August 2025
22 August 2025

JAMES NALTON takes a look at the German league’s move to grow its audience in Britain, and around the future of football on TV in general