Broadcaster Mulls Outsourcing to Cut Costs—UK Job Losses Loom

Under pressure from a devalued licence fee, the BBC is evaluating proposals to outsource key functions overseas or to external partners. Conversations with major tech firms are already underway.
Proposed targets include finance, digital product teams, and streaming platform services. But employees at regional centres worry that outsourcing could unravel efforts to decentralize jobs across the UK.
Although the proposal aims to free up funds for creative projects, operational experts warn that handing over core technical tasks may reduce the BBC’s ability to adapt and innovate independently.
Unions are demanding transparency, insisting the plan must not compromise the public service mission or leave the organisation weakened in the long run.