BBC announces huge cuts in a bid to save £500million by 2028 including closure of three major services
This follows last week's announcement that DIY SOS had been axed
BBC has announced huge cuts to its services, in a bid to “save at least £500m over the next 3 years”.
This comes just days after the announcement that DIY SOS had been axed.
It’s a shocking blow to the British Broadcasting Corporation, which has been a national institution since its origins in 1922.
Of course, it’s primarily funded by the television licence fee paid by viewers. Here’s all the latest news coming from the Beeb.
The BBC announces huge budget cuts
The BBC has today (Tuesday, October 20) announced plans to make huge cuts to its services. A statement said: “The BBC needs to make tough decisions due to the sustained financial pressures facing the organisation and must make savings of £500 million by 2028.”
The broadcaster has confirmed it will close BBC Three, BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 4 Extra linear broadcast services in spring 2027.
BBC Scotland will continue as a channel on BBC iPlayer with “BBC Two offering additional linear service for Scottish programming”. Content will also be available on BBC One and BBC Two in Scotland.
BBC Scotland will become an exclusively digital-first service on BBC iPlayer from Spring 2027. This reflects “the continuing shift in audience consumption from traditional broadcast television to digital platforms”.
We’re told the change will “ensure BBC Scotland’s wide range of programming across drama, factual, comedy, entertainment and sport remains available to audiences in Scotland and beyond”.
Ten people are set to lose their jobs, following the 60 role closures already announced by BBC Scotland earlier this year.
BBC closing three linear broadcast services
The BBC has also confirmed that BBC Three will be closed down as it reveals further cost-saving initiatives.
BBC Three commissions will be available on BBC iPlayer and on other platforms, including YouTube. It was previously cut from linear TV in 2016 and moved online, before returning to TV screens in 2022.
The channel has since brought a string of hits to our screens, including Killing Eve and Fleabag.
Lastly, Radio 4 Extra will also be axed. Instead it will be on BBC Sounds.
In addition, it was announced separately that BBC News would be axing 100 jobs. Those affected by the proposals have already been informed. Further saving measures are to come early in 2027.
The BBC is aiming to cut between 1800 and 2000 jobs in total, with roughly 550 job closures having already been announced.
Last week, the corporation cancelled plans to build a purpose-built studio to record The Archers at its new Birmingham headquarters.
Read more: Nick Knowles breaks silence over DIY SOS cuts as fans brand BBC move’a very bad decision’
