This is a risky move for the BBC, says Steve Hewlett

The BBC has announced it is cutting 1,000 jobs because of a £150m shortfall in its licence fee income.

An unexpected increase in the number of households saying they do not watch live TV and so do not need to pay a licence fee is blamed for the downturn.

BBC director general Tony Hall said layers of management will be removed and the number of divisions will be reduced, and expects this to save around £50m.

The writer, broadcaster and media commentator Steve Hewlett said the BBC was taking a risk by releasing the data on how many people avoid paying the licence fee.