• Hollywood Reporter, Monday, January 24, 2011 12:47 PM

The BBC on Monday announced plans to cut 360 jobs from its online division. The Hollywood Reporter described it as "a bid to compete less with commercial news operators." BBC's director general Mark Thompson also said the company plans to scale back on entertainment news coverage. "The plans -- part of a year-long review of the BBC's entire operations -- will see the online division cut back its showbiz news and focus instead on services more in keeping with its core public service values such as the arts, culture, science and religion," writes The Hollywood Reporter.

Along with the job cuts -- which represent about 20% of the company's workforce -- the BBC said it plans to shutter about 200 websites before the end of the year. "Most program websites will shift to having automated content and the BBC is also cutting its overall online sports coverage." The BBC has no plans to launch its own social network or develop music streaming or download services, nor does it plan to provide specific educational services for children and schools.

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