Concerns Grow Over Massive BBC Cutback

Concerns are growing over reports that the BBC is preparing to make thousands of jobs cuts.
The Financial Times reported that senior BBC managers have been told that the corporation will have to shed over 2,000 jobs as steps are taken to stem a £2bn budget shortfall.
Other sources are indicating that the figure may be closer to 3,000.
The BBC must make cutbacks in running costs amounting to 6%. This tranlates into a 10-12% cut on the workforce, the bulk of which may fall in factual programming.
Last week senior BBC journalists expressed their "dismay at the budget cut" proposals which they said would make it impossible to maintain editorial standards at the BBC.
The final decision on any cutbacks to stay within budget rest with the BBC Trust which is scheduled to make a decision in November. BBC Director General Mark Thompson is to make a presentation to the BBC Trust on "reprioritisation" next week.
The BBC cut 3,780 jobs in 2005 and a series of cost cutting measures including moving service from central London to the regions have been instigated.
Today the BBC announced that following a review of funding BBC World Service is to receive an additional £70m in funding over the three year period beginning in 2008.
(SP)