Portal:BBC/BBC news archive 2010

BBC Cuts

The BBC has announced plans to close down the BBC 6 Music and BBC Asian Network digital radio stations and half of the websites on BBC Online as part of a major strategy review.

The review, announced by Director-General Mark Thompson on 2 March 2010, had been leaked to The Times newspaper the previous week.

Thompson announced that the BBC would be refocused on five editorial priorities, including the best journalism in the world and outstanding children's content. He also said he expected the review would lead to an extra £600 million going into programme making.

Music industry members including the producer Mark Ronson reacted angrily to the proposals to close down 6 Music, while union leaders said they would fight any compulsory redundancies.

The radio stations would close 'at the earliest' by the end of 2011, with selected BBC Online sites closing by 2013.

BBC 6 Music and Asian Network face axe in shake-up
In quotes: Reaction to BBC cuts