BBC CONFIRMS PLANS TO CLOSE RADIO STATIONS

The BBC confirmed Tuesday its plan to slash spending on its online services and close two radio stations in a shake-up designed to boost programme funding. Digital radio stations BBC Asian Network and BBC 6 Music will close from next year as part of a review of the British Broadcasting Corporation’s budget and services, said Director General Mark Thompson. Spending on its online services - which commercial competitors complain stifle competition - will be cut by 25 percent by 2013, he said in a widely-anticipated announcement. The shake-up will free an extra GBP 600m (EUR 660m) to be spent on programme-making, he told staff at the BBC’s headquarters in London. Mr Thompson said that Asian Network, targeted at Britain’s South Asian communities, and alternative music station 6 Music will close in 2011 at the earliest. The plans will now be considered by the BBC Trust, a body which oversees the broadcaster’s activities, and be put out for public consultation.