BBC on course to hit £1bn goal in savings

The BBC was on track to save £1 billion this year due to cuts in content and scope of services, a National Audit Office (NAO) report found.

The Corporation has reduced the amount of broadcast television it offers and the volume of repeats shown across its three main television channels has increased, the NAO revealed.

There was a 22% increase in repeat programming on BBC 1, said to be a part of the strategy for addressing a change in audience viewing habits while working within a finite budget.

Until recently, the Corporation has tried to limit reductions in its TV and radio content.

In September, the BBC estimated 41% of its annual savings would come from cuts to content and the scope of services.

The forecast also suggested 12% of its savings would come from income generation and 11% from changes to the scheduling mix.

But the BBC has increased accessibility to content by extending the time programmes are available on iplayer and launching BBC Sounds, the NAO said.

It said the BBC is forecast to exceed its original savings target of £800 million and is on track to meet its increased target of £1bn a year.

Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO, said: “Over the past decade the BBC has consistently made savings and is largely on course to achieve its £1 billion annual savings target.

“However, over the coming years it will need to make significant further savings at the same time as addressing a range of other challenges, not least its declining audience share.

“The BBC must ensure its savings plans do not further erode its position with audiences.”