Marketing jobs set to go at BBC after Thompson review

The BBC could axe more than 40 marketers in a review of the organisation instigated by director-general Mark Thompson.

Thompson has indicated that jobs are at risk as he prepares to make the corporation as lean and trim as possible in the run-up to the renewal of its charter. Estimates vary as to the number of staff who will be affected by the review, but cuts could be of between ten and 25 per cent.

There is no clear picture as to where the cuts will fall, although there is much speculation that non-programme making areas will be the hardest hit.

At the moment, 28,000 people work for the BBC, with 400 of those in the marketing, communications and audiences division. The BBC is expected to announce its findings on staffing levels and costs in December, as well as the outcome of a review into the relocation of some departments and services outside London.

The BBC is searching for a director of marketing, communications and audiences following Andy Duncan’s departure to Channel 4 as chief executive. Genevieve Lawrence is acting director of marketing, communications and audiences in the interim.

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