BBC chiefs reject job cuts claims

Jan 22 2013

BBC bosses have disputed union claims about the level and impact of staff cuts.

In an appearance before MSPs, they claimed that a recent meeting with unions had been "positive" and insisted there will be good coverage of upcoming major events such as the independence referendum and Commonwealth Games.

BBC Scotland director Ken MacQuarrie, head of news and current affairs John Boothman and Bruce Malcolm, head of Commonwealth Games 2014 coverage, were quizzed by politicians on Holyrood's Education and Culture Committee.

The session followed complaints by the committee that the corporation had been "disrespectful" by declining to appear in person despite earlier requests.

Mr Boothman said he was "disappointed" by evidence given by Peter Murray, of the National Union of Journalists, last year.

Mr Murray had told MSPs that one programme saw a 60% cut in posts.

Mr Boothman told the committee: "The picture presented by the unions at the last meeting, for me, was not a true picture of what's happening.

"I prefer to look through the other end of the telescope.

"I'm very, very, very optimistic, going forward, of how we can cover the Commonwealth Games and the referendum, and all those other things happening in 2014."

He added: "Yes, things are not without their challenges and their difficulties. We are where we are."