BBC Three is to be axed and will become a wholly online channel, as part of the broadcaster’s cost-cutting plans. The move has been met with protests from fans and celebrities alike, and means all programming such as Don’t Tell The Bride and Pramface will only be available through the iPlayer, rather than Freeview, satellite […]
BBC Three is to be axed and will become a wholly online channel, as part of the broadcaster’s cost-cutting plans.
The move has been met with protests from fans and celebrities alike, and means all programming such as Don’t Tell The Bride and Pramface will only be available through the iPlayer, rather than Freeview, satellite or cable.
The BBC will make an official announcement on Thursday, media correspondent David Sillito said.
The announcement follows a speech given by BBC director general Tony Hall last week, in which he said “tough choices” would have to be made if the corporation was to meet its savings target.
“We are in the final stages of a budget process to find an extra £100m of savings,” he said at the Oxford Media Convention. “I will announce the outcome of those decisions in the next month.”
Before moving BBC Three online, however, the director general must get approval from the BBC Trust, the corporation’s governing body, which represents the interests of licence fee payers.
The move follows the BBC’s decision to broadcast select TV shows online ahead of their scheduled TV transmission, among themthe latest sitcom from comedian Peter Kay.
The BBC has previously reversed decisions to close its 6 Music and Asian Network radio services after concerted campaigning by supporters.
However, it has closed several foreign language sections of the BBC World Service, with the loss of more than 650 jobs since 2011.
BBC TV channel budgets 2013/14
• BBC One: £1,051m
• BBC Two: £415m
• BBC Three: £85m
• BBC Four: £49m
• CBBC: £79m
• CBeebies: £29m
• BBC News Channel: £53m
• BBC Parliament: £2m
