Ofcom approves BBC Asian Network’s request to reduce news quota
Ofcom has approved the BBC’s bid to slash its news and current affairs quotas on both BBC Asian Network and BBC Radio Foyle, following a consultation earlier this year.
Aiming to revitalise the Asian Network for a younger audience, the BBC has proposed cutting its mandatory news and current affairs hours from 1,224 to 675 each financial year. The broadcaster argues this shift will free up valuable airtime for fresh, music-led programming, strengthening its appeal and relevance.
In its decision, Ofcom said, “We have decided to approve the BBC’s request to reduce the hours of news and current affairs provision required by the Operating Licence on BBC Radio Foyle from 1,043 to 710 per financial year and on BBC Asian Network from 1,224 to 675 per financial year.”
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It further stated, “In making these changes, we expect the BBC to be transparent about how it is delivering for audiences, and we will continue to hold it to account. We expect the BBC to monitor the impact of the changes made to BBC Radio Foyle and BBC Asian Network on audience engagement, to ensure that where necessary it continues to adapt to better serve audiences.”
