BBC wields axe on beloved shows after making ‘difficult decisions’ in cost saving drive
The BBC is to axe several long-running Radio 4 programmes as part of a major overhaul of its output, with the corporation seeking to make £500 million in savings by 2028/29.
Among the programmes being discontinued are consumer affairs show You And Yours, social sciences programme Thinking Allowed and arts and ideas series Free Thinking.
The Artificial Human, which examines developments and applications in artificial intelligence, will also be dropped.
The BBC said the team behind You And Yours was working on a new consumer programme intended to retain the station’s focus on original reporting, practical advice and scrutinising organisations.
The replacement is being developed for both traditional broadcasting and on-demand listening.
The corporation will also bring Open Country to an end, while BBC 5 Live is set to reduce spending on scheduled programming and sports podcasts from 2027/28.
The changes are part of a broader strategy to commission fewer programmes and instead concentrate resources on shows that can attract audiences across radio, podcasts and the BBC’s digital platforms.
Rather than directly replacing each programme being cut, the BBC plans to introduce two year-round weekly shows.
The BBC is to axe several long-running Radio 4 programmes as part of a major overhaul of its output
|
GETTYOne will examine the ideas influencing society and the wider world, while the other will focus on technology and artificial intelligence.
Several existing programmes will also receive more airtime.
The weekend edition of Farming Today will be expanded, while Start The Week and In Our Time will each be extended, with In Our Time moving to a one-hour format.
Jonathan Wall, director of BBC Sounds, said the changes were intended to secure the future of the corporation’s speech output while allowing it to invest in trusted journalism and distinctive storytelling.
He said reducing the overall number of commissions would enable the BBC to concentrate investment on programmes capable of working across broadcast and on-demand formats.
“These are difficult decisions,” Mr Wall said, adding that the changes were not being made on the basis of cost alone.
He said the corporation needed to make “significant savings”, while continuing to invest for the future.
The BBC is also planning to reduce the number of podcasts available on BBC Sounds, saying the move will create room for new formats.
Matt Brittin has recognised the challenge he faces in the role as the BBC’s general director
|
BBCThe latest changes come after the corporation announced plans in June to reduce spending across its news, nations and content divisions, with measures expected to contribute £160million towards the £500million in savings required by 2028/29.
Around 2,000 jobs are expected to disappear as part of the wider cost-cutting programme. The BBC has already announced 41 job losses at BBC Sport.
The corporation’s most recent annual report warned that its financial outlook had “deteriorated” during the second half of 2025, adding to pressure on the BBC to reduce costs while reshaping its services for changing audience habits.
The programme changes are expected to be subject to consultation, with the BBC saying it will work with affected staff and unions during the process.
Comments are closed.