BBC confirm two TV channels and one radio station are to be axed in cost-cutting measures

BBC announces major changes

The changes will see BBC Three and BBC Scotland disappear from traditional television, while Radio 4 Extra will cease broadcasting. 

Much of their output will remain available online as the corporation attempts to reduce spending amid mounting financial pressure.

BBC Three programmes will continue to appear on iPlayer and platforms such as YouTube, with additional investment promised for content aimed at younger viewers. 

BBC Scotland will remain accessible through iPlayer, and selected shows will also air on BBC One and BBC Two in Scotland.

However, Reporting Scotland: News at Seven will not move online and will end when the channel closes. 

Other Scottish news programmes, including The Sunday Show and Debate Night, will continue as part of the BBC’s wider news coverage.

Radio 4 Extra’s programmes will be available through BBC Sounds, including The Daily Service, which will also air on local radio.

Hundreds of job losses already announced across BBC departments

BBC director-general Matt Brittin said the broadcaster had to make difficult decisions to deal with rising costs.

“We need to make every pound work harder for audiences as we respond to the immediate cost pressures and reinvent the BBC for a changing world. We all know that means tough choices,” he said.

The closures are part of a wider BBC cost-cutting drive aimed at saving £500m over two years, with between 1,800 and 2,000 jobs potentially at risk.

As part of that effort, BBC News is preparing to cut more than 100 roles over the coming months, saving a further £5.5m.

Rachel Jupp, the division’s new director, outlined the plans in an internal email to staff on Tuesday, acknowledging the impact the proposals would have on those affected.

“I know this will be very difficult news for those affected,” she wrote.

Jupp said the BBC would consult employees and trade unions throughout the process, with efforts made to avoid compulsory redundancies wherever possible.

She also warned that further changes could follow as the broadcaster continues to reduce spending. More than 30 cuts have also been confirmed at BBC Sport.

Several programmes have also been cancelled in recent weeks, including RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind, Live at the Apollo’, Football Focus and Ski Sunday. DIY SOS has been temporarily rested.