BBC Asian Network to axe bespoke news bulletins to save costs
The BBC has announced a new wave of cost-cutting measures, leading to significant changes in its news services, including the discontinuation of bespoke news bulletins for British Asians on the BBC Asian Network.
As part of the restructuring, the corporation is expected to eliminate 185 roles while creating 55 new positions, aimed at saving £24 million.
This round of changes will also see the end of the long-standing world affairs programme HARDtalk, alongside the BBC Asian Network’s tailored bulletins, such as The Ankur Desai Show, 60 Minutes, and Asian Network News Presents. These services will be replaced by Newsbeat bulletins, shared with BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra.
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In addressing these changes, a BBC spokesperson acknowledged the necessity of post closures given that 75% of the BBC’s budget is allocated to staffing costs. The spokesperson further noted that more than 40% of the cost-saving efforts would come from non-staff-related reductions, including cuts to supplier spending, contracts, and the use of physical buildings.
