British businessman and BBC director-general (current)
BBC has announced a planned cost-cutting drive to save about 500 million pounds over two years, with job cuts expected across BBC News and other divisions. The drive follows broader plans to reduce around 2,000 roles and reviews of channels and services as audiences shift online.
The government has announced plans to boost the visibility of trusted public service media on platforms like Facebook, YouTube and TikTok, aiming to counter misinformation. Proposals would require greater prominence for PSB content in feeds and search results, with potential crises-specific rules. Ministers are exploring widening PSB status and extending free-to-air protections for major sports on on-demand platforms.
Consultant doctors in England have a mandate to consider industrial action while a government pay deal has ended a year-long disruption. The agreement includes a 6.6% uplift by 2027 and a 35.2% rise relative to four years ago, with 4,500 training places and exam-fee funding. The dispute has affected NHS services and could influence future talks.
Labor deputy leader pushes for election-specific duties on major platforms to counter misinformation and foreign interference. She wants a digital code of practice and framework during elections, with the Electoral Commission collaborating with Ofcom and platforms. Critics say the move aims to protect democracy by ensuring informed choices amid opaque algorithms. The issue comes as ministers flagged concerns over platform responsibility.
BBC confirms the long-running sci-fi series will not have a Christmas special as plans mature for a competitive tendering process. Russell T Davies has exited, with the BBC planning to invest in the show’s long-term future and explore external platforms.
The BBC’s annual salaries list shows Scott Mills as the highest-paid on-air star for 2025–26, following his sacking in March amid a police probe into historical offences. Several long-time earners have departed, while others remain and new leadership roles at radio and TV are highlighted.
The BBC has highlighted a funding crisis as licence-fee income declines and audience habits shift. The corporation is exploring options from subscriptions to a universal levy while warning that current funding may not sustain its public-service mission. With 23.3 million licences active and around 80% of households paying, the BBC is under pressure to reinvent its funding model before the 2027 charter renewal.
The BBC has cancelled Celebrity Mastermind, Blankety Blank and Live at the Apollo as part of cost-saving measures. The main Mastermind series will continue with Clive Myrie, while the celebrity spin-off ends after the next filmed series. The BBC cites funding challenges and ongoing savings targets across entertainment, with further cuts anticipated.
BBC confirms RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is leaving BBC Three and iPlayer, moving to Wow Presents Plus. Eight series on BBC Three will continue to air; the show’s future spin-off will join the Wow platform. News from BBC and World of Wonder has sparked reactions from contestants and fans, highlighting concerns about diversity representation and niche programming.