BBC Radio 5 Live to close AM transmitters & Radio 4 to cease Long Wave service.
The BBC is planning to make £500m of annual savings in a digital-first future by cutting services such as Radio 4 Extra, Radio 4’s Long Wave service and Radio 5 Live’s mediumwave transmitter network.
Changes in local radio and regional news will also be made, with more programme sharing between neighbouring stations.
The BBC will look at simplifying schedules and cancelling shows that do not deliver, including networked shows.
A BBC spokesperson told RadioToday: “We will build on local radio’s strengths by focussing our resources where we make the biggest difference with audiences.
“It makes sense to share some programmes at times of the day when we have the least audience impact. We will maintain local news bulletins throughout the day and protect live sport.”
BBC Director-General Tim Davie made the announcements in an all-staff meeting on Thursday afternoon, setting out a new blueprint for a digital-first BBC.
He said the BBC must reform to stay relevant and continue to provide great value for all.
One thousand jobs will also go across the board as part of the cuts.
Tim Davie told staff: “When I took this job I said that we needed to fight for something important: public service content and services, freely available universally, for the good of all.
“This fight is intensifying, the stakes are high.”
https://radiotoday.co.uk/2022/05/bbc-radio-5-live-to-lose-am-network-and-radio-4-to-cease-long-wave-service/
RadioToday (2022-05-26)