The BBC has published its Annual Plan setting out its priorities for the next 12 months, including in areas like artificial intelligence and technology.
The corporation said it will remain focused on delivering three key roles this year – “pursuing truth with no agenda, backing the best homegrown storytelling and bringing people together.”
Internationally, it said it will continue to engage with the UK Government to secure a sustainable long-term financial future for the BBC World Service.
The BBC also set out some of the funding challenges it is facing. It said had started the year with a smaller workforce following “an aggressive savings programme”, including a voluntary redundancy programme. The corporation said that its budget is down £1billion a year in real terms, compared to 15 years ago. “We have delivered significant efficiencies, including cutting 2,000 roles over the last five years, but continuing with this approach is no longer sustainable,” said the BBC.
The BBC said it will focus on improved personalisation of the BBC iPlayer to create more seamless journeys between the platform and BBC digital services.
To reach younger audiences it will expand BBC News on both TikTok and Instagram.
Turning to AI, the BBC said: “We will also explore how to make the most of AI for audiences and our teams; and help lead the debate on how the responsible use of AI can support human creativity and growth in the creative industries, while protecting the intellectual property of creators.”
The BBC said it will also continue to invest in the BBC's Research and Development (R&D) department, and to share its technology insights from R&D.
BBC Chairman Samir Shah said: “The BBC’s role has never been more important, both here in the UK and around the world, to deliver trusted, impartial news in a world of disinformation; develop and promote the most compelling homegrown content; and be the place where people come together for unforgettable shared moments.
“The BBC Board fully endorses this plan, as we plot the long-term future of this marvellous organisation and deliver for audiences for generations to come.”
BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: “The UK’s creative industry continues to change rapidly, as does the world around us. This plan sets out how the BBC continues to evolve for audiences, both on and off air, but also how we will support and invest in the wider industry.”
US judge temporarily blocks firing of Voice of America staff
A US federal judge has ordered President Trump's administration to temporarily pause its efforts to shut down international news service Voice of America.
ScreenSkills calls for more focus on mid-level professionals
Training organisation ScreenSkills says there is an urgent need to support mid-level crew in high-end television as freelancers face growing instability, financial pressures mount and hiring patterns shift across the industry.
Jennifer Salke steps down as Head of Amazon MGM Studios
Jennifer Salke, the Head of Amazon MGM Studios, is stepping down from her role.
Sky says 2,000 jobs at risk at call centre sites
Sky has announced that 2,000 jobs at its call centres are at risk as part of plans to move more of its customer service online.
.jpg)
Pirate video platform Gamovideo shut down in Spain
Anti-piracy coalition The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) has shut down video hosting site Gamovideo in Spain.
