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BBC confirms 2,000 job losses; no stations to close

The BBC has confirmed that none of its radio or TV services will face closure but will lead to 2,000 jobs losses by 2016, as a part of the ‘Delivering Quality First’ (DQF) strategy.

The plans have been announced today in an effort to save �670m a year.

With the exception of BBC Radio 4, all other radio stations are expected to see a wide-range of cuts. Furthermore, the BBC has confirmed that the BBC Asian Network will remain on-air as a national digital station despite talks earlier to axe the station. The BBC Asian Network will remain as it is but with a budget reduction of 34% (excluding productivity).

According to the DQF report, the new, more focused Asian Network would be built around six distinctive content areas: news, music/entertainment, Asian culture, discussion, languages and specialist music. The BBC Asian Network is ceasing drama and documentary content whilst simplifying the schedule with fewer, longer programmes.

Other pointers from the DQF proposals:
�ۢ Shutdown of BBC White City base
�ۢ A small reduction in original shows on BBC One
�ۢ More repeats on BBC Two during daytime
�ۢ BBC HD channel to replaced with BBC Two HD
�ۢ Some BBC radio stations to share news bulletins during off peak times
�ۢ Less original shows on radio with cuts to comedy on Radio 2 and 5 Live & less lunctime concerts on Radio 3
�ۢ Some BBC local radio stations to share programming during off peak times
�ۢ BBC Four playing a more complementary role to BBC Two, and making BBC Three more explicitly a place to nurture talent for BBC One
�ۢ Move another 1,000 jobs to its new Manchester base

BBC director general Mark Thompson said, “This is a plan which puts productivity first. It’s a plan for a smaller BBC but a BBC which uses its resources more effectively and collaboratively to deliver a full range of services to the public.”