MX23RW : Thursday, April 17 16:17:21| >> :600:144502373:144502373:

BBC begins content audit process

BBC director-general Tim Davie challenges all department heads to come up with plans of what they would do with just 80% of their current budgets.

New BBC director-general Tim Davie has launched a full audit of the corporation's output ahead of plans for a 20% reduction in hours.

In his maiden speech earlier this month, the former BBC Studios head suggested that rather than spreading itself too thinly in the years ahead, the BBC should look to produce fewer hours with a potentially increased hourly budget.

Davie has now set all department heads the task of deciding what they would do if they had only 80% of their current budgets and has given them a deadline of just a few weeks to come up with proposals.

"The BBC struggles at times to close things, and I accept that," Davie told Broadcast. "I've challenged all divisional owners to examine the scenario of what they would do with 20% less.

"I want them to have a really tough look and then we'll have an internal discussion about how far we go.

"How do we make sure we are investing in the highest-impact content? That is a critical challenge."

As new DG, Davie is overseeing a critical time in the BBC's history in which it must not only deliver significant savings to balance the books but also negotiate its longer-term future with the current government.

ID:414530: cacheID:414530:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1995:
Written by
Neil Wilkes

Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.

Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 31, 2025

Restore Data
Share this article now:
BBC Three logo
Read Next:
BBC to end "linear expansion" amid BBC Three, Four rumours
>
Read more about Tim Davie Entertainment
rhs 2.0
New TV Picks header

Monday, April 14


The Last of Us: Sky Atlantic, 2am and 9pm
As season two starts it's safe to say that Joel-Ellie bonding is in short supply

Coronation Street: ITVX, from 7am and ITV1, 8pm
Theo serves up a new double-surprise for Todd

Made in Chelsea: E4, 9.10pm
Jules is still at loggerheads with Ruby, while Lauren is gunning for Freddy