BBC’s John Simpson ‘expects to be sacked’

John Simpson, the BBC's veteran world affairs correspondent, has issued a grim warning about the effects of cutbacks at the corporation, claiming that old-style public service broadcasting is now in its "last stages". Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, he said the Beeb was a "magnificent outfit" but said he "hated" his bosses and joked that he would probably be sacked in "horrible circumstances" for speaking his mind.

The BBC website later reported in deadpan style: SIMPSON 'EXPECTS SACK FROM BBC' while a spokesman for the corporation issued a statement saying: "John Simpson, like many people, is someone who cares deeply about the BBC and its future. He is a hugely respected broadcaster who has made, and will continue to make, a significant contribution to the BBC."

Simpson, 64, was reflecting on the fact that the BBC is to cut 2,500 posts and reduce budgets in key areas such as news and current affairs as a result of the lower-than-expected licence fee settlement.
 
Luckily, he appeared not to have read an item in the Evening Standard detailing some of the perks - all paid for out of the over-stretched licence fee - some of his bosses have been enjoying at a time of cutbacks. According to the Standard, deputy director-general Mark Byford took home an annual bonus of £41,000 this year on top of his £459,000 salary, and also claimed fully £13,000 in expenses. In total, despite the looming threat of recession, licence fee payers contributed £318,000 this year in bonuses to the BBC's executive directors. ·