http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4366545.stm

The BBC is due to announce details of plans to cut at least 1,500 jobs in
news, drama and other programme areas over the next three years.
The cuts are aimed at saving about £200m a year, which will be invested in
new programmes and services.

It follows 1,730 job losses announced across the BBC's professional services
divisions earlier this month.

Union leaders have already warned they will ballot staff for industrial
action if there are compulsory redundancies.

Savings approved

BBC director general Mark Thompson has said cost savings across the BBC are
expected to reach £355m - £35m more than his original £320m target.

On Monday he is also expected to announce how much of the money saved will
be spent, with new investment in drama, comedy, music, original journalism
and other programme areas.

Plans to make 15% budget savings were approved by the corporation's
governors on Thursday.

BBC media correspondent Torin Douglas says between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs are
expected to go over three years.

There is likely to be an angry reaction from the three broadcasting unions,
who will meet on Wednesday to plan their next step.

Last week the National Union of Journalists said it would oppose the cuts.

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear said: "How does the BBC believe it can
maintain high standards and quality in the face of such massive
self-inflicted cuts?

"You can't sack thousands and then ask hard-working staff to take on huge
amounts of extra work and still expect to maintain high standards.

"We've never been opposed to change - but we will resist changes which mean
the axing of thousands of jobs, extra stress and pressure on those who
remain and a poorer service for viewers and listeners."

Following Thursday's meeting, the governors issued a statement saying they
endorsed the director general's plans to tell BBC staff of the changes in
content and output divisions.

They also said there would be a progress review in June.


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