BBC Training Tech Giants on iPlayer? Staff Jobs Under Review

The broadcaster’s leadership is reportedly in discussions with big‑tech groups about outsourcing non-broadcast functions, from recommendation systems to finance—potentially transferring UK roles abroad.
Key sites in Salford, Glasgow, Newcastle, and Cardiff are on the front line, with staff warned that their roles could be outsourced or offshored. Critics have pointed to the clash between this plan and the BBC’s regionalisation strategy.
Supporters frame it as a way to fund high‑quality content amid financial strain. Opponents caution it risks creating long‑term dependencies and losing critical knowledge that underpins core services like iPlayer and News.
Unions demand meaningful consultation and assurances these job plans won’t erode the public service remit. They also warn the broadcaster may lack the internal capacity to manage large vendor contracts effectively.