BBC to End HARDtalk Amid Job Cuts

The BBC has announced the cancellation of its long-running interview show HARDtalk as part of a significant cost-cutting initiative that will also see a net reduction of 130 roles within its news and current affairs department. The show, which has aired since 1997 and featured notable figures like Robert Mugabe and Hugo Chavez, will conclude in March next year. BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness indicated that the corporation aims to save £700 million annually by 2026, with the bulk of savings coming from non-staff measures. Stephen Sackur, the show's host, expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing the importance of HARDtalk in combating disinformation and holding power to account. The BBC's financial pressures have intensified following a two-year freeze on the licence fee and projected deficits reaching £492 million for the next financial year. Other proposed changes include the closure of the bespoke news service for the Asian Network and adjustments to radio programming.