LICENCE fee payers will welcome today's news that the BBC is slimming down. Here is a corporation without corporate responsibility - no pressure to post a profit, no shareholders to scrutinise performance, cushioned from the real world by its own tax revenue.

One of the last nationalised monoliths, the BBC must change to survive the digital revolution.

By any measure it is over-staffed. Too many employees are far removed from its core purpose, broadcasting. Renewed focus on quality drama and comedy, plus a shift of power and programmes away from London, are sensible moves.

Thousands of job losses are painful but necessary if the BBC is to retain its status as a treasured institution.

Updated: 10:20 Tuesday, December 07, 2004