Inside the BBC's 'cull chaos' as top presenters offered redundancy
The BBC's attempted newsreader cull is just the latest huge shake up after months of turmoil across the corporation.
Latest reports from the Beeb claim that seasoned talent including Huw Edwards, Reeta Chakrabarti, Clive Myrie and Sophie Raworth have all been offered the chance of voluntary redundancy.
The letter reportedly states: “As you will be aware, in 2022 we announced a number of changes across BBC News which have meant that some colleagues have been placed at risk of redundancy, including some colleagues in presenter roles.”
It goes on to propose staff who “would like to consider potentially leaving the BBC under voluntary redundancy”
It is the latest in a long line of budget-slashing that has seen the BBC reduced to paying off its top talent, reportedly leaving stars furious and morale at an 'all time low.'
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Huw Edwards reportedly earns £400,000 a year - but the offer is capped at £150,000 (WireImage)
Clive Myrie has also been offered redundancy by the BBC (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)Newsreader Hugh Edwards spoke out amid the furore on Twitter.
In a defiant post he penned: "Reality check. A standard HR exercise by @BBCNews (one of many over the years) is just that. A standard invitation to consider applying for voluntary redundancy. Nothing more."
In January, viewers said goodbye to David Eades, Joanna Gosling, and Tim Willcox who walked away amid reported plans to merge the beeb's international and domestic news channels.
The top presenters took voluntary redundancy after decades of service between them.
Some were said to be furious following rumours that they asked to do an audition to keep their jobs and instead accepted the cash offer to go.
Sophie Raworth could be leaving as well (BBC/Glenn Dearing)Sources called in an "ignominious process,” saying staff were "incandescent and humiliated."
Joanne Gosling confirmed in January this year to viewers that she was leaving in a matter of weeks.
The news came after Gosling, who had been with the channel for 23 years, had been praised for her reporting on the Solihull lake tragedy weeks prior.
Revealing her sudden exit to fans she said: "You may have already heard, but I wanted to confirm, that I have decided to leave the BBC and will go off air on the 26th January.
"I am very grateful for the kind messages I’ve had from so many of you. I’m proud of my career in news. Now it is time for new beginnings."
Joanna Gosling reportedly felt 'humiliated' by her treatment (BBC)After decades delivered breaking news, long-serving broadcasters Martine Croxall, Jane Hill and Ben Brown also lost their chief presenter roles in February.
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A week later, Annita McVeigh, Geeta Guru-Murthy and Shaun Ley were told changes are being made.
According to inside sources, the redundancy plan has been linked to cost-cutting measures announced last year by Director-General Tim Davie.
It is said to be a capped offer of £150,000 - something which is unlikely to appeal to Welsh star Huw, reportedly earning £410,000.
The letters have been dished out by Philippa Busby, the interim managing editor of news and current affairs, and sent to stars of BBC1 and Radio 4.
Popular Reeta Chakrabarti's future could lie elsewhere (@reetacbbc/Twitter)The Mail on Sundaybroke the news, sharing details of the alleged letter sent by Ms Busby.
When asked for comment by The Mirror, the BBC confirmed the news - but tried to downplay the dramatic headlines that the news has already generated.
A spokesperson said: “This isn’t about any new job cuts - it’s a standard HR exercise relating to savings we’ve announced previously - and it’s not targeting any individuals; we have to send it to everyone who’s at the same grade.
Huw has now respond to the weekend story“We’re looking for expressions of interest in redundancy, not offering it, and it’s not the case that any or everyone who came forward would be accepted."
A source also told the Mirror that the letters proposing voluntary redundancy related to previously announced savings programmes across BBC News.
The source also said that the BBC took the step in an attempt to avoid enforced redundancies - with the letters of suggested voluntary redundancy being issued to those at risk of redundancy and to those of a similar level of seniority in order to give the corporation greater flexibility in terms of redistributing talent.
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