BBC to axe 300 production jobs

The BBC is to axe around 300 jobs as it prepares to move its production arm, which makes shows including "Strictly Come Dancing" and "EastEnders," into the commercial sector.BBC Studios will become a commercial subsidiary of the British broadcaster next year, enabling it to make TV programmes for other UK and international broadcasters.As part of the change, the BBC announced that BBC Studios will move to a "flexible" working model. This means BBC Studios will become more reliant on freelance production crews to make its shows, as and when it wins business. It should stop what the BBC calls "downtime"the periods in which staff have no production to work on.Around 300 roles will be closed around the country. The BBC has major production bases in cities including London, Bristol, Cardiff, and Glasgow. BBC sources have told Business Insider that factual genres, such as science and arts, could be hit hardest.BBC Studios director Mark Linsey said: "A strong, creative and competitive BBC Studios is crucial to maintaining the BBCs role as one of the worlds great programme makersand we are committed to delivering the best content in all our genres. These plans will ensure we can compete successfully in the future."As well as "Strictly Come Dancing" and "EastEnders," BBC Studios makes shows including "Top Gear" and major natural history shows, such as "Planet Earth II."Join the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: The 7 best TV shows on Netflix you've probably never heard of
Click here to read full news..