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The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) will close its BBC Three and BBC Scotland television channels in the spring and make their content available exclusively online, Anadolu Agency reported. The move is part of a cost-cutting plan intended to save £500 million ($670 million) over two years.
Both channels will continue to produce and host some programmes on the “BBC iPlayer” streaming platform. The corporation will also close “Radio 4 Extra”, which mainly broadcasts archived speech programmes, including comedy, drama and documentaries.
BBC Director-General Matt Brittin said the measures were necessary as the corporation faces financial pressure and responds to changing audience habits.
“We need to make every pound work harder for audiences as we respond to the immediate cost pressures and reinvent the BBC for a changing world. We all know that means tough choices,” Brittin said.
On the end of linear broadcasting on the channels, he said much of their content would remain available on “iPlayer” and “Sounds”. Brittin added that, although the closures had been the subject of media speculation, he recognised the confirmation would be difficult for audiences and staff.
BBC plans up to 2,000 job cuts
The BBC is seeking to cut between 1,800 and 2,000 jobs, nearly one in 10 of its workforce, to achieve £500 million in savings over two years.
The corporation on Tuesday also confirmed further job cuts in its news division. Additional details are expected from newly appointed director Rachel Jupp.
About 550 job cuts have already been announced in the news division, while more than 30 have so far been announced at BBC Sport.
The latest announcements follow the cancellation of several high-profile BBC television series in recent weeks. The publicly funded broadcaster has said it is facing “significant financial pressures”.
