The BBC has retracted its controversial merger of their world and domestic news channels, as the broadcaster’s new chairman warned that the corporation will face a struggle to remain relevant.
In April 2010, the BBC News and BBC World channels were merged as part of a wider effort to reduce costs by £500m.
This move means that programming has been combined to create a single channel for both UK and International audiences. UK viewers will only be switched to another feed focusing on domestic news if major news breaks.
However, the bosses have now prepared changes in response to criticism from journalists and audience members.
According to plans, the channel will concentrate on UK news from 9am-6pm instead of offering a worldwide perspective all day.
The combined output will cover both domestic and international news. It will be limited to the evenings and overnight.
BBC spokesperson insists that the changes are only temporary and in preparation for the general elections.
It opens the possibility of a permanent reversal, where the channel would focus on UK-related news.
In the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel in October, the merger of two channels has fueled accusations of bias against the public broadcaster.
The BBC’s coverage of South Africa vs Israel in the International Court of Justice case in January, was criticized by viewers as biased towards Israel’s defense.
BBC News’ international feed heavily covered the case, but the domestic feed focused instead on the Post Office investigation.
Changes have also hurt the popularity of the channel. The first month following the merger, viewing figures fell by 1 million as the international focus proved to be less appealing.
The staff has also complained about the fact that they are now left with significantly less resources to manage two news channels.
The National Union of Journalists said that the tie-up which resulted in 70 jobs being cut was a major mistake and would lead to a “hollowing” out of the news coverage.
In recent weeks, there have been indications that the executives are rethinking their merger plans.
Nicky Campbell’s TV slot, which was originally two hours long, has been cut in half. The relaunch of the channels last year was hailed as Mr Campbell’s program being a major part.
Insiders say the show could be scrapped altogether. The format has been criticized for being similar to rivals like TalkTV.
BBC spokesperson said that there was no change in their plans. They have already saved money and cut staffing costs. As we’ve always said, it is one operation, but can operate two news feeds if necessary, one for UK and another for the rest.
When there is a major UK story, such as an election in the UK, viewers will see a separate UK Feed.
Samir Shah, the new BBC Chairman, warned that the broadcaster faces “hard decisions and hard choices” in its battle to remain relevant amid fierce competition from streaming platforms.
In his first staff message after assuming the position on Monday, Mr Shah said that the BBC faced a looming discussion over the future funding model for its licence fees, as well as short-term budgetary constraints.
He wrote: The BBC must innovate and adapt to the changing ways in which audiences consume content.
“Our commercial success will help to make the money last longer. We will need to still live within our financial means, even in a difficult situation. This requires us to think very carefully about what we need to stop doing, or change.
After a two-year period of freezing the levy, the BBC faces a growing financial crisis after the Government blocked a planned 9pc rise in the licence fees. The BBC’s budget deficit will rise to approximately £500m annually as the licence fee increases by 6.6pc.
Lucy Frazer, Culture Secretary has confirmed that a review will be conducted of BBC’s funding model.
MPs have expressed “severe concerns” over the appointment of Mr Shah. He is a veteran television and radio executive, and former BBC Director.
In December, during a hearing of the committee, the new chairman spoke about Gary Lineker’s posts on social media but didn’t express an opinion regarding cuts to local radio and Newsnight.