BBC News has announced a significant restructuring of its international operations, moving away from its London-centric model toward a new regional approach designed to strengthen its global presence amid increasing challenges from state-backed media outlets.
The reorganization, set to be implemented later this year, will establish six regional headquarters across the world, each led by a regional director responsible for both editorial direction and operational management. These regional hubs will oversee BBC World Service’s 42 language services and focus on audience growth in their respective territories.
The six newly defined regions will be Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Central and South Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa. Each will operate with greater autonomy from London, with regional directors taking control of spending, governance, and organizational culture.
Jonathan Munro, Global Director and Deputy CEO of BBC News, emphasized the urgent need for this restructuring, stating: “BBC News’ international output and the BBC World Service have never been more needed as the fight against disinformation intensifies and press freedom is increasingly under threat globally.”
The corporation pointed to the increasingly polarized media landscape and competition from heavily-funded state media operations as key factors driving the change. While the BBC currently reaches approximately 450 million people weekly through its global news services, this reorganization appears aimed at expanding that reach further while making operations more efficient.
To fund these new regional director positions, the BBC confirmed that several leadership roles in London will be eliminated, suggesting a significant power shift away from the UK headquarters toward the regions. However, specific details about which positions would be cut were not provided.
Media analysts view this move as part of a broader trend among major international news organizations to decentralize operations and respond more effectively to regional audience needs and competitive threats. The BBC faces increasing competition not only from other Western media companies but also from well-funded state broadcasters from countries including Russia, China, and various Middle Eastern nations.
“These plans put audiences first, supercharging our ability for growth to reach more people with independent news,” Munro added, describing the restructuring as positioning “the BBC’s global operations in the best position to succeed in our mission.”
The announcement comes amid ongoing debates about the future funding and scope of the BBC, with its global services often cited as one of the UK’s most significant soft power assets. The World Service, which began as the Empire Service in 1932, has evolved into one of the world’s most trusted international news providers, though funding constraints have posed challenges to its operations in recent years.
The BBC has not yet announced who will fill the six regional director roles or provided a specific timeline for when the restructuring will be completed.
