The broadcaster is to integrate all of its comms into one division, all reporting directly to director of communications Ed Williams.
In particular, Williams will oversee BBC Worldwide’s PR operation, which has until now been separate.
The BBC is also to launch a digital comms team led by current BBC vision head of comms Paul Almond. The new team will incorporate the existing web publishing and future media and technology people, while adding social media experts.
BBC director of comms Ed Williams said: 'It's a fundamental change in the way comms is organised. We're handling pretty complex issues, for example the coverage of the BNP generated 500 pages of corporate press cuts.
'What we've got is an environment in which the BBC is very much centre stage.'
The changes will be completed by next April. It will not affect headcount and is not intended to save money. The changes will affect 160 comms staff.
