The BBC is set to close its BBC Three and BBC Scotland television channels alongside Radio 4 Extra in the spring as part of an ongoing initiative to secure £500m in savings over two years. Under the changes, BBC Three and BBC Scotland will transition to become online-only services, continuing to offer content through BBC iPlayer and other platforms without the constraints of a traditional terrestrial schedule. Radio 4 Extra, which primarily broadcasts archive speech programmes including comedy, drama and documentaries, will also close, with its programming moving to BBC Sounds. BBC director-general Matt Brittin stated that the corporation must make every pound work harder to address immediate cost pressures and adapt to a changing world. Affected staff were informed of the measures on Tuesday, following previous media speculation. Alongside the channel closures, the corporation aims to cut between 1,800 and 2,000 jobs—representing nearly one in 10 positions—to manage significant financial pressures. Additional cuts include approximately 550 job closures previously announced in the news division, more than 30 job cuts in BBC Sport, and the cancellation or temporary resting of several high-profile TV series and formats.
Entertainment
BBC to Close BBC Three, BBC Scotland and Radio 4 Extra as Part of Major Cost-Cutting Plan
The British broadcaster will shutter linear channels in the spring to help achieve £500m in savings over two years, while shifting selected content to digital platforms like iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
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Sources
- BBC Three, BBC Scotland and Radio 4 Extra channels to close — BBC News — entretenimento e artes
