The extent of the BBC’s latest round of job cuts—adding another 500 casualties by March 2025—has forced a rare public statement on corporate matters from the organization’s Chief Technology Officer, evidence that the BBC’s world-famous R&D department is heading for the chop. BBC CTO Peter O’Kane, who earns an annual public service salary of £325,000 ($415,000), defended the latest strategic decision of BBC bosses by outlining vaguely that money will be shifting to priority areas at the British broadcaster. While O’Kane did not reveal at this stage from which departments the 500 positions will be shaved, the CTO’s official BBC blogpost does point to two priority investment areas where savings will be reinvested – internet-based activities, and AI-enhanced business. The…