For decades, the task of briefing the nation on Radio 4’s agenda-setting Today programme has been one of the most urgent tasks facing the BBC’s top journalists.

However, insiders at the corporation say that duty has effectively been downgraded, after an edict that will result in correspondents prioritising making content for TikTok, Instagram and other digital platforms.

The Guardian understands that staff at Today were told last week that social and digital platforms were now the top priority for correspondents, effectively deprioritising traditional television and radio – including the flagship show.

Combined with cuts to the number of journalists, some fear the change will increasingly mean Today being forced to use non-BBC reporters and spokespeople, especially in the early part of its three-hour run.

“This feels like a tweak but it’s actually a body blow,” said one Radio 4 insider. “Today has stayed healthy in the digital age by being well resourced and dependable … if something happens and you need to know about it – perhaps before going to work – then no other broadcaster can match it.

“But the plan appears to be for Today to hear from, for instance Steve Rosenberg if Putin dies, only after Steve has satisfied people who get their news on TikTok. Those 10 minutes serve to chip away the relevance of Today to the life of the nation. This is an act of vandalism pure and simple.”

Some staff were said to be “alarmed and despondent” by the new priority given to digital and social media content.

However, others at the BBC believe that the shift is inevitable and will not stop prominent BBC names from appearing on Today. Like all news organisations, the BBC is attempting to adapt to the rapid shift in audiences towards digital platforms, where many younger age groups now get their news.

“The reality is you’ll still hear all the big beasts,” said one. “These are guidelines and we have to shift priorities. That doesn’t mean Today will be anything other than a flagship programme.”

Another BBC source said the programme could adapt, but pointed to another concern: that the interests and priorities of audiences on social media are simply not the same as Radio 4 listeners, who include the nation’s opinion formers.

Radio 4 and Today have not had their own dedicated correspondents for some time. Such posts were abolished in previous rounds of savings. They now compete with other BBC platforms for correspondents’ time.

Many insiders believe the new priority given to social media is actually aimed at relegating the BBC’s TV bulletins at 6pm and 10pm, as linear television viewing continues to fall and its audience ages.

However, those concerned about Today worry radio is being lumped in with the decline of linear television. Today still commands well over 5 million listeners a week.

Overall, Today has been largely protected from cuts, apart from a decision to reduce the main presenting roster from five to four after the departure of Amol Rajan. Meanwhile, its fellow Radio 4 news programme The World Tonight will be axed.

The skirmish demonstrates how divisive the BBC cuts programme will be. More painful decisions are expected to be made by the new director general, Matt Brittin.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Radio is still enormously important to BBC News and Today remains our flagship programme. Our ways of working have to reflect the stark realities we face – a savings target of at least £500m and changing audience habits – but we’re confident Today audiences will continue to get the same brilliant programme and hear from all our correspondents.”