BBC considers U-turn over Asian Network

The BBC is considering a dramatic U-turn over the Asian Network, as it explores the best way to serve Asian audiences.

An official statement from a BBC spokesperson said, “Following Strategy Review in February 2010, the BBC Trust asked the BBC to produce more detailed plans for the best ways to serve Asian audiences.

“We are exploring whether the Asian Network should remain on the national DAB and the work around this is being done as part of the Delivering Quality First process.

“No decisions have been made and any proposals will be subject to approval by the BBC Trust.”

The station was originally put forward for closure along with 6 Music, but both stations now looked to have been saved. The reprieve will have to be approved by the BBC Trust later this year.

A tweet from Asian Network presenters Dee and Rav, who go under the name Panjabi Hit Squad said, “The BBC have agreed on a final proposal to keep the Asian Network a national station but needs to serve it’s audience better. This will now be taken to the BBC Trust for approval. It is good news that the station is recognised as being vital to the BBC but it’s not out of the woods yet.”

The BBC Asian Network costs 8.5p per listener hour, the highest of any BBC national station.

Keep it with BizAsia.co.uk for the latest