Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
BBC to close three TV and radio channels in spring 2027
The BBC will close BBC Three, BBC Scotland and Radio 4 Extra as broadcast channels in spring 2027.
The changes affect viewers and listeners across the UK, while BBC News will also cut around 100 jobs.
The BBC says the closures are part of a plan to save £500 million by 2028.
BBC Three and BBC Scotland will remain available on iPlayer, and BBC Three content may also appear on YouTube.
Many Radio 4 Extra programmes will be available on BBC Sounds, though the union Equity warned that fewer repeats could reduce payments to audio artists.
The BBC says it is shifting towards where audiences now watch and listen, as more people use online services.
The closures will save less than £10 million a year, according to BBC correspondent Katie Razzall, and further savings plans are expected in the coming months.
The BBC will close the linear broadcast services of BBC Three, BBC Scotland and Radio 4 Extra in spring 2027 as part of a plan to save £500 million over two years.
BBC Three and BBC Scotland will remain available online, while some Radio 4 Extra programmes will be available on BBC Sounds.
The BBC said the changes reflect financial pressures and a changing media landscape.
The corporation also announced around 100 proposed job cuts in BBC News, which are expected to save £5.5 million.
The performing arts union Equity said the Radio 4 Extra closure could reduce income for audio artists, while expressing concern about how YouTube repeats of BBC Three content will be paid.
- Who
- The BBC. The closures affect BBC Three, BBC Scotland and Radio 4 Extra.
- What
- The BBC will end their linear broadcast services. Some content will remain available online.
- When
- Spring 2027.
- Where
- The United Kingdom; the affected services are BBC broadcast channels and networks.
- Why
- The BBC says it needs to make savings of £500 million over two years amid financial pressures.
BBC
Equity
Impact on audiences and content
BBC
The BBC says much of the services’ content will remain available on iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
Equity
Equity says the loss of Radio 4 Extra in its current format will be a significant blow to audio artists’ income and BBC scripted audio output.
Online repeats and pay
BBC
The BBC says BBC Three and BBC Scotland will move online.
Equity
Equity says YouTube repeats must be properly remunerated and must not reduce members’ income.
BBC Three moved online.
BBC Scotland launched as a channel.
BBC Three returned as a TV channel.
The BBC announced that BBC Three, BBC Scotland and Radio 4 Extra would close as linear services.
The three linear broadcast services are due to close.
- Savings target
- £500 million over two years
- BBC News savings
- £5.5 million proposed
- BBC News roles
- Around 100
- BBC Three’s return to TV
- 2022
- BBC Scotland’s launch
- 2019
5 sources
Katie Razzall: BBC closures make business sense, but far more savings are needed
BBC Three and BBC Scotland Set to Close In Broadcaster’s Latest Cost Cuts
BBC to axe key TV channels in cost-cutting drive
BBC Three To Be Switched Off For Second Time, As BBC Confirms TV & Radio Network Closures
What people are saying
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.
Much of the great content they currently carry will still be found where audiences already enjoy them on iPlayer and Sounds.
The loss of Radio 4 Extra in its current format will be a significant blow to the income of audio artists.
any repeats on YouTube must be properly remunerated and must not lead to a drop in income for members.