On Wednesday, the BBC announced plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs as part of an effort to save £500 million ($677 million), which represents 10% of its annual budget. This decision marks the largest reduction in workforce in over a decade, prompted by substantial financial pressures including inflation and challenges to its license fee income. Interim Director-General Rhodri Talfan Davies communicated the need for these cuts in an email to staff, acknowledging the uncertainty they create. The bulk of the layoffs will take place in the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2027. The announcement comes as former Google executive Matt Brittin prepares to assume the role of director-general next month, following the resignation of Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness due to a controversy involving a misleading documentary edit about U.S. President Donald Trump. The BBC, funded by an annual license fee that recently increased to £180 ($244), faces increasing criticism from opponents who argue that the fee is outdated in the digital streaming era. The Labour government has pledged to explore sustainable funding options for the BBC without ruling out alternatives to the license fee.