The BBC looks likely to close one, maybe two, of its digital radio channels and sell some magazine titles, including the iconic Radio Times. A review of activities, forced by pressure from politicians and commercial rivals, has prompted the moves.

The BBC is funded by a mandated licence fee in the UK. It has pledged to cut 100 million Pounds a year from overhead costs as a result of the Corporation’s review, unveiled by the director general Mark Thompson. A 12 week consultation period will now follow the announcement of the proposals.

The review proposes “increasing the quality of local radio: boosting investment in local news at breakfast, mid-morning
and drivetime using resources released by sharing content at other times.” To free up resources the review has recommending the closure of digital station Radio 6 Music which focuses on popular music output.

More popular music output will be heard on Radio 1 and “an
increasingly distinctive Radio 2,” using the resources released to drive digital radio in other ways.

The proposals also include cutting web budgets by 25% and spending on foreign shows such as Mad Men by 20%, as well as capping investment on sports rights and potentially selling off BBC magazines such as The Radio Times and Top Gear.

The proposals could affect up to 600 BBC staff and freelancers according to UK Media reports.

To read the whole review, click the link below.