BBC kids' TV facing 10% cuts

BBC children's is facing budget cuts of around 10% as part of the six-year cost savings plan approved by the BBC Trust today.

Both the "range" and "quality" of children's programmes will be hit by the savings, according to BBC programme-makers.

There will also be "substantial" post closures - although staff may be able to apply for some of the jobs created within the BBC's interactive services.

The BBC children's department is one of the areas facing the most cuts, along with news and factual.

Planned cuts in the children's department are thought to have caused concern among some members of the BBC Trust because the corporation needs to prove its public service credentials to justify the licence fee.

There is also concern that more efficiencies could lead to less experienced staff being hired - which could lead to mistakes being made.

Children's BBC has already been hit by problems with the naming of the Blue Peter cat and a competition winner on the flagship show being faked.

However, it is thought the BBC children's cuts have come about mainly as a consequence of the rise in the number of independent producers being used by the corporation.

BBC sources have also said that in the London factual department 608 jobs - between 40% and 45% of the workforce - could be cut. A further 520 jobs are tipped to go from BBC news.

BBC news is still absorbing the news that the BBC Trust has approved the cuts.

It is thought that the next stage will involve restructuring the division, including the merger of the TV, radio and online newsrooms, and cutting management jobs.

Insiders say that the BBC1 Ten O'Clock News editor, Craig Oliver, is likely to be given a role of in charge of that bulletin and the Six O'Clock News while News 24 controller Kevin Bakhurst is tipped to take on a new daytime role encompassing the One O'Clock News and Breakfast.

Meanwhile, BBC presenters including John Humphrys, Fiona Bruce and George Alagiah are expected to attend a briefing about the cuts tonight with director general Mark Thompson.

Mr Thompson is due to speak to them about the six-year plan at BBC Television Centre at 7.30pm.

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