Nadia Sawalha calls ITV cuts brutal amid job losses
- ITV announced cuts affecting Loose Women and Lorraine, reducing their airtime and overall broadcasts.
- Nadia Sawalha expressed deep concern for her colleagues behind the scenes who will be affected by the layoffs.
- The job cuts reflect a troubling trend in the broadcasting industry and have sparked public discussions about their implications.
In the United Kingdom, ITV announced significant job cuts and schedule reductions for its daytime programming, impacting shows like Loose Women and Lorraine. These changes were announced in late May 2025 and reveal a troubling trend within the broadcasting industry, as ITV confirmed that it would be reducing the air time of both shows from one hour to just 30 minutes and limiting their broadcasts to only 30 weeks of the year. The decision to make these cuts is tied to financial challenges faced by ITV and the broader broadcasting sector, which has seen a downturn in advertising revenue. In a heartfelt response, Nadia Sawalha, a panellist on Loose Women, expressed her concerns on her YouTube channel regarding the impact of these cuts. She highlighted that while her position may currently be secure, many of her colleagues behind the scenes, whose efforts are often unseen, are facing job insecurity and potential redundancy. With over 220 jobs at risk due to these changes, the emotional toll on her colleagues was apparent, as Sawalha recounted seeing many shocked and fearful about their futures. Sawahla acknowledged the harsh reality of inflation and the need for the network to make cuts but also emphasized the devastating impact these changes would have on the people who make these shows successful. She voiced concern over the lack of recognition for the off-screen workers, who are integral to the production of daily shows like Loose Women and Lorraine. Sawalha articulated that losing these jobs does not just affect the shows but disrupts the lives of those who dedicate their careers to supporting the television industry. The cuts are part of a broader strategy by ITV to achieve significant cost savings amid economic pressures affecting the broadcasting sector. Discussions around these changes have already prompted public discourse around misogyny in media representation, as the scheduling cuts directly affect shows predominantly featuring women. Despite the cuts, ITV's leadership, including managing director Kevin Lygo, stated the importance of daytime television while recognizing the difficult transition ahead for staff and production teams. The transition period promises to be challenging for all involved as the network adjusts to a new operational model amid significant staffing changes.