BBC confirms closure of BBC Three on TV

The BBC’s youth entertainment channel, BBC Three will be closing down on television by February next year, its been confirmed.

The BBC Trust confirmed the plans to move the channel to online only. It also added conditions to ensure that younger audiences continue to be well served on BBC One and BBC Two.

Trustees concluded that that there is clear public value in moving BBC Three online, as independent evidence shows younger audiences are watching more online and watching less linear TV. The move will also contribute to the significant savings the BBC is currently making.

The decision follows a detailed and rigorous assessment that began in January 2015, which has included two public consultations, audience research, and a wide range of independent evidence.

BBC Trustee Suzanna Taverne, Chair of the Trust�۪s Services Committee which led the assessment of the proposals, said, “The decision to close a TV channel is a difficult one, and one we have not taken lightly. The BBC must adapt with its audiences; the evidence is very clear that younger audiences are watching more online and less linear TV. The plans enable the BBC to deliver more distinctive content online, while bearing down on costs; to address concerns about the impact of moving BBC Three online, we have set new requirements for programmes for younger audiences on BBC One and Two.”

The online BBC Three will also be required to have the same accessibility standards as the TV channel, wherever practicable.