BBC News Presenters Sidelined in Merger Now Set to Return

Five female BBC News presenters who were sidelined with little work to do but still receiving full pay for a year are set to be brought back by the broadcaster. Annita McVeigh, Kasia Madera, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Karin Giannone, and Martine Croxall were left in limbo during the merger between the BBC’s News and World News channels last year. Despite their lack of job titles since March, the presenters have continued to collect hundreds of thousands of pounds collectively as part of their salaries. The group, with a combined experience of over 100 years, had threatened legal action against the BBC, claiming unfair treatment. Sources indicate that the BBC plans to reintroduce them with new job titles to avoid potential lawsuits following the merger. The presenters had declined voluntary redundancy and have been supporting each other since they were left without job titles. It remains to be seen what specific roles the women will take on and if they will need to go through an application process. The merger between BBC News and World News resulted in numerous job cuts within the corporation. Other well-known presenters who lost their chief roles include Johanna Gosling, David Eades, and Tim Willcox. BBC News aims to save £285 million after the UK government froze the license fee for two years. The ongoing digital-first strategy also involves changes to linear TV channels BBC Four and CBBC. The BBC has declined to comment on the matter.