BBC Four is to cease commissioning new programmes and become an archive-focused channel as part of the ongoing significant cost-cutting drive across the corporation. While it is not being shut down altogether, the overhaul means the channel will no longer commission original content, but will continue to broadcast performances such as the BBC Proms, BBC Young Dancer and BBC Young Musician. Publishing its annual plan for 2021-22, the corporation said the channel would “become the home of the most distinctive content from across the BBC’s archive”. Photograph: Gustavo Papaleo/BBC/PAThe annual plan revealed the BBC had delivered £880m of annual recurring savings since 2016-17, beating that target a year ahead of schedule. According to the annual plan, BBC Three will broadcast from 7pm to 4am daily subject to regulatory approval once it returns to television screens.

Source: The Guardian March 29, 2021 19:09 UTC