BBC to Axe 3 Major Channels in Huge Shake-up as Broadcaster Makes £500m Cuts
The broadcaster said the move will shift popular programming online as it targets £500 million in savings by 2028 and cuts more than 100 jobs.
- On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the BBC announced it will close linear broadcast services for BBC Three, BBC Scotland, and BBC Radio 4 Extra in spring 2027 as part of a £500 million cost-cutting strategy.
- Facing pressure to save £500 million by 2028, the broadcaster cited financial necessity; while 94% of the UK population uses BBC services monthly, fewer than 80% pay the £180 annual licence fee.
- BBC Director-General Matt Brittin said the corporation must "make every pound work harder," confirming around 100 layoffs in BBC News alongside 10 job losses in Scotland from the channel closures.
- Programming from the shuttered networks will transition to BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, marking the second time in 10 years that BBC Three has been removed from linear television broadcasting.
- With up to 2,000 jobs at risk under the broader savings strategy, new Director of BBC News Rachel Jupp is expected to outline additional savings plans early next year.
102 Articles
102 Articles
The end of the broadcast of BBC Scotland and BBC Three will take place in the spring of 2027.
The British public broadcaster BBC is aiming to save £500 million (€595 million) over the next two years, and is planning to lay off more than 100 staff and close two channels.
BBC slashes 100 jobs, closes two channels
BBC News announced the "net closure of just over 100 roles" according to an internal note by director Rachel Jupp, part of some 2,000 job cuts the broader organisation is eyeing to achieve its planned savings. The job cuts represent 5.5 million pounds in savings, said Jupp, in the note sent to AFP. She was appointed BBC News's director this month, after her predecessor stepped down amid a row over a misleading edit of US President Donald Trump i…
The BBC has confirmed it will close BBC Three, BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 4 Extra linear broadcast services in the spring of 2027.
BBC Three and BBC Scotland will move online, while Radio 4 Extra will cease broadcasting
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 66% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
