BBC Asian Network embraced for further job cuts

The BBC today announced a major internal reorganisation of its Radio division to preserve the quality of its programming in the face of significant savings challenges.

In the proposal, BBC Asian Network, along with Radios 1, 2, 3, 4, 1Xtra, 6 Music and 4 Extra will result in the closure of another 65 posts. This is as part of an ongoing plan that will see a reduction of approximately 200 roles ��� roughly 15% of the division�۪s headcount – between 2012 and 2017.

The restructure will see the creation of two new ��hubs�۪ within the division, which will bring together some management, running and support of BBC stations: one around pop music, incorporating Radio 1, Radio 2, 1Xtra, 6 Music and the Asian Network, and the other around classical music and speech output, covering Radio 3, Radio 4, 4 Extra and the BBC Proms and performing groups.

Helen Boaden, Director of BBC Radio, told staff that the reorganisation was essential if BBC Radio is to preserve the distinctiveness of its on-air output for audiences following the 2010 Licence Fee settlement.

���BBC Radio is the envy of the world and our creativity is second to none,�۝ she said. ���But we must also be as small as we can be, to meet our savings challenges and increase our agility in the digital world without losing our distinctiveness or damaging relationships with our many audiences. Reducing the division�۪s headcount by 15% is challenging, but shows just how hard we are working to drive efficiency in everything we do.�۝