BBC to Announce TV and Radio Closures, BBC Three Reportedly at Risk
The BBC plans to reveal closures of TV and radio services that will directly impact audiences, with rumors indicating that BBC Three might go off the air once more. Director general Matt Brittin is targeting savings of £500 million ($660M) to better align with audience preferences. Sources indicate that BBC Three is at risk, and modifications to radio services are expected. In June, Brittin announced an £80M reduction in commissioning across TV, radio, and news. BBC Three, which transitioned to an online format in 2016 and returned to television in 2022, includes programs such as RuPaul's Drag Race UK. This savings initiative follows a previous target of £1.5 billion, putting up to 2,000 jobs in jeopardy amid ongoing union discussions.
Key facts
- The BBC is expected to announce "audience-facing" closures of TV and radio services early next week.
- The broadcaster aims to save £500 million ($660M) over the coming years.
- BBC Three is considered vulnerable and could be taken off air for a second time.
- BBC Three was originally moved online in 2016 and restored to television in 2022 by former director general Tim Davie.
- Director general Matt Brittin told staff in June that commissioning spend across TV, radio, and news will be cut by £80M.
- The BBC told Manchester-based staff on Wednesday about plans to axe sports bulletins on its news channel.
- Up to 2,000 jobs are at risk under the savings strategy, and unions have rejected two BBC pay offers.
- 94% of the UK population use the BBC every month, but fewer than 80% pay the £180 annual licence fee.
Entities
Artists
- Matt Brittin
- Tim Davie
- Sophie Jones
- Rachel Jupp
- Philippa Childs
- Katie Razzall
- Paul Mescal
- Daisy Edgar-Jones
Institutions
- BBC
- BBC Three
- BBC Scotland
- CBBC
- CBeebies
- iPlayer
- Deadline
- Royal Television Society
- World of Wonder
- Netflix
- Sony
- CNN
- MS Now
- BBC News
- Radio 4 Extra
- BBC Radio 4
- BBC Sounds
- BBC iPlayer
- Bectu
- The Guardian
- Rajar
- YouTube
- TikTok
- The World Tonight
- You and Yours
- The Archers
- RuPaul's Drag Race UK
- Gavin and Stacey
- Fleabag
- Killing Eve
- BBC One
- BBC Two
- BBC Radio Scotland
- BBC Sport
- BBC Alba
- Serie A
- Top Gear
- Normal People
- Daily Service
- Blankety Blank
- Celebrity Mastermind
- Live at the Apollo
- DIY SOS
Locations
- UK
- Manchester
- Scotland
- Salford
- United Kingdom
- Glasgow
- Birmingham
- Pacific Quay
Sources
- ArtsJournal —
- BBC Culture —
- BBC Culture —
- ArtsJournal —