BBC Asian Network to announce changes?

The BBC Asian Network is expected to announce many changes on Thursday (18th October) as Bob Shennan, Controller, rolls out a five-year strategic plan.

According to various reports, Shennan is likely to announce a rejig to its existing programming schedule, along with internal managerial positions witnessing some changes too.

Shennan is expected to present his proposed plans to the BBC director general Mark Thompson first before announcing them to the rest of BBC Asian Network staff.

Today, Thompson confirmed to senior staff that there will be 2,500 job losses across the corporation as part of his latest six-year cost-saving programme. It is unclear if redundancies will affect staff at the BBC Asian Network.

There are also rumours suggesting the Managing Editor at the BBC Asian Network – Vijay Sharma could be leaving. She has been an integral part of the Network since its launch as an analogue Midlands station in 1996.

In an effort to save costs, there is also speculation arising about the BBC Asian Network’s London programming being shifted to Birmingham.

A spokesman from the BBC Asian Network said, “There are briefings all across the BBC today about the response to the BBC’s financial challenges and the vision for the BBC laid out by the Director General. There are implications in this for the Asian Network like other areas of the BBC but it is not true to say that there are imminent schedule or management changes at present.”

More details on this developing story soon.