Jostling

As the Coalition continues to make clear its willingness to slash and burn, there's dragging of feet at the BBC.  The "divisions" are finding it hard to meet the pledge of cutting 25% of senior managers, especially without central support for pay-offs.  Some are genuinely cutting Senior Manager roles (note the capitals), known internally as SM1 and SM2 posts. But there seems to be a parallel growth in Band 11 posts (senior management roles, with no upper limit on salaries). 

Meanwhile, as Jana Bennett looks for a replacement for Jay Hunt at BBC1, green-eyed observers outside Vision are looking at her array of senior managers.   The premier network bravely struggles on under its Head of Broadcasting George Dixon - who must surely now be on a declarable salary - with strategic help from Jana.  Did the BBC try harder than was advertised to keep Jay ?  Was there a suggestion of a role for Jana at BBC Worldwide, to make space for a Jay promotion ? It's all very unsteady.