THE latest rounds of BBC cuts follow a “worrying trend towards reducing services that provide critical, in-depth analysis,” broadcasting union Bectu said today.

BBC News is closing global interview programme Hard Talk and bespoke Asian Network News service as part of £24 million of cuts, representing 4 per cent of the co-operation’s budget.

The proposals would result in a net loss of 155 jobs, with 130 journalism roles at risk and 25 from media operations.

Bectu head Philippa Childs said: “The BBC’s need to make savings is clear, but this latest round of cuts follows a worrying trend towards reducing services that provide critical, in-depth analysis.

“Central tenets of the BBC’s mission are to inform and educate; Bectu is concerned that in a world of fake news, disinformation and political turmoil, these cuts will hit not just jobs, but also reduce the breadth and range of news content that the BBC can provide and is known for.”