BBC to shut part of web site
The BBC will shut part of its web site and close two radio stations in order to sharply reduce expenditure, a British newspaper reported on Friday.
The BBC will shut part of its web site and close two radio stations in order to sharply reduce expenditure, a British newspaper reported on Friday.
The paper also says spending on American programming will be reduced when the overhaul is announced next month. BBC officials refused to comment.
The Times says the 6 Music and Asian Network radio stations will be stopped and a number of BBC magazines face possible closure. The newspaper says the number of web pages produced will be cut in half, with a staff cut of 25 per cent.
The BBC depends heavily on TV license fees paid by British consumers, and complaints have multiplied that the national broadcaster costs too much money. Competing broadcasters have complained that the fees give the BBC an unfair advantage in the competitive marketplace.
The proposals would mark a reversal of the expansion experienced by the BBC, whose growth has caused alarm among competitors as it moved into extending its reach on the Internet.
If approved, the proposals will see 600 million pounds ($916 million) being redirected to higher quality programming, the Times said.
The National Union of Journalists condemned the planned cuts and warned of strikes.
Stay informed on Business News along with Gold Rates Today, India News and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs