BBC axes radio stations in spending shake-up
THE BBC has confirmed plans to axe digital radio stations 6 Music and Asian Network as part of a programming shake-up.
Half of the sections on the BBC website are to be axed as part of the overhaul.
The budget for US imports will be reduced by 20 per cent, under the measures.
BBC Switch and BBC Blast – which are aimed at the youth market – will also be slashed.
BBC director general Mark Thompson announced the shake-up as he presented the Putting Quality First review to staff ahead of a 12-week consultation period.
In the report to the BBC Trust, the corporation aims to redirect £600m a year to quality programming.
Unions have warned the cuts could lead to the loss of 600 jobs, and said staff may take industrial action to fight the proposals.