Category: Northern Ireland
Date: 21.03.2005
Printable version
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Northern Ireland today (Monday 21 March) unveiled a wide-ranging re-organisation as part of its ongoing move to streamline the business and channel more investment into programme making over the next few years.
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Proposals to invest over Β£5.5m into new programmes funded by a number of efficiency measures - including the reduction of 98 posts from its Content and Output workforce over the next three years - were announced to staff by Anna Carragher, Controller of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Northern Ireland, following a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ-wide review aimed at getting the best value for money for licence fee payers.
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The plans are part of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's overall proposals to achieve Β£355m savings to allow subsequent re-investment into journalism, drama, comedy, music, learning and sport.
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In addition to the job losses - which are subject to union negotiations - the programme investment will be funded through new ways of working, including increased innovation and creativity.
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Streamlining in Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Northern Ireland will include:
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A reduction and re-organisation of the senior management team
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The creation of a new department through the amalgamation of operations, production and news into a single, more efficient unit
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The creation of a new Creative Board and a Network Board.
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Anna Carragher said: "The thinking behind these plans is simple: reduce hierarchy by collapsing management structures, simplify processes and clarify reporting lines and areas of responsibility.
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"I believe the structure will allow for a streamlined approach to what will be a very modern broadcast business.
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"This is part of a process of change to deliver Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Northern Ireland's vision for the future where we must produce even better programmes and services on an ever more efficient basis.
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"The re-investment in content will be substantial and a creative Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Northern Ireland can expect a fair share of it - but there is a downside to moving to a more streamlined way of operating and that is the closure of posts."
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Subject to union negotiations, it is estimated six posts will close in management, 37 posts will close in the production, broadcasting and Interactive Services and Learning departments.
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Sixteen posts will go across news and current affairs and 39 posts in operations.
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In addition, as announced a fortnight ago, there will be limited but further job losses from Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Northern Ireland's professional services which include staff in Marketing, Communications and Audiences, HR and Finance. Exact figures are not yet available.
