BBC News journalists are considering going on strike over the merger of the national and international news channels which will see 70 jobs cut.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ), which represents hundreds of BBC staff, said an advisory vote is being held on actions in response to the plans, which will see the creation of a continuous news service which will broadcast news from both the UK and the world. The two are currently separated.
A vote for industrial action could take place at a later date as journalists at UK newspaper publications, including the Daily Mirror, prepare to strike over pay.
NUJ General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “The BBC News Channel plays an important role in covering local elections, by-elections, floods and droughts, as well as covering national incidents and international events taking place. We understand that the BBC, following year-on-year cuts and the license fee freeze, is in a difficult place, but we cannot support a decision that has a serious impact on the news it provides.”
She urged BBC director-general Tim Davie to “step in and reverse this plan”, which will instead see the creation of 20 roles in the BBC’s Washington bureau.
Sports programming, both national and international, will become more of a feature of the new channel, along with the creation of television programs based on radio programs such as Nicky Campbell’s Radio 5 Live show, which will air on weekday mornings.
Broadcasting union Bectu has also opposed the plans.
