Today programme suffers ‘body blow’ as BBC prioritises social and digital content | BBC
For decades, the task of keeping the nation informed about Radio 4’s agenda-setting Today program has been one of the most pressing tasks facing the BBC’s best journalists.
But people at the company say the role was effectively dropped following an edict that would result in reporters prioritizing creating content for TikTok, Instagram and other digital platforms.
Staff at Today were told last week that social and digital platforms were now the top priority for reporters, effectively prioritizing traditional television and radio, including its flagship programme, The Guardian understands.
Some fear the change, combined with cuts in journalist numbers, will mean Today will increasingly have to use non-BBC reporters and spokespeople, especially in the early parts of its three-hour run.
“This feels like a change but it’s actually a blow to the body,” a Radio 4 insider said. “Today has managed to stay healthy in the digital age by being well-sourced and reliable… if something happens and you need to know about it – perhaps before you go to work – then no other publisher can match it.
“But the plan seems to be for Today to hear from Steve Rosenberg if, say, Putin dies, but only after Steve has satisfied the people who get their news from TikTok. These 10 minutes serve to eliminate Today’s relevance to the life of the nation. This is an act of vandalism, pure and simple.”
Some staff were said to be “panicked and despairing” at the new priority given to digital and social media content.
But others at the BBC believe the change is inevitable and will not stop leading BBC figures appearing on Today. Like all news organisations, the BBC is struggling to adapt to the rapid shift in its audience towards digital platforms, where many younger age groups now get their news.
“The truth is, you will still hear the voice of the great beasts,” said one. “These are guidelines and we must change our priorities. This does not mean Today will be anything other than the flagship programme.”
Another BBC source said the program could adapt but noted another concern: the interests and priorities of audiences on social media are simply not the same as those of Radio 4 listeners, which include the country’s opinion makers.
Radio 4 and Today have not had their own correspondents for some time. Such tasks were removed in previous rounds of savings. They now compete with other BBC platforms for reporters’ time.
Many insiders believe that the new priority given to social media is actually aimed at reducing the BBC’s TV bulletins to 6pm and 10pm, as linear television viewing continues to fall and audiences are ageing.
However, those concerned about Today worry that radio is converging with the decline of linear television. Today it still reaches more than 5 million listeners a week.
Overall, Today has been largely spared from cuts, apart from the decision to reduce its main presenting cast from five to four following the departure of Amol Rajan. Meanwhile, Radio 4’s other news programme, The World Tonight, will be axed.
The clash shows how divisive the BBC cut schedule will be. New general manager Matt Brittin is expected to make more painful decisions.
A BBC spokesman said: “Radio remains hugely important to BBC News and Today remains our flagship programme. Our working methods must reflect the stark realities we face – a savings target of at least £500 million and changing viewer habits – but we are confident that Today viewers will continue to receive the same excellent program and hear from all our reporters.”
