BBC director general Tim Davie is not ruling out possible linear channel closures as the broadcaster is left with a shortfall of £285 million in 2027/2028, following the UK government’s decision to freeze the licence fee for the next two years.
Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme, Davie didn’t deny that the broadcaster could close some of its linear channels, stating that the corporation “needs to reshape for a digital age. I’m excited about re-engineering the BBC and we’re not going to put aspic around our linear services.”
“Inevitably, if you don’t have £285 million you will get less services and programmes,” he added. “This will affect our front-line services.”
Asked if that would mean cuts to linear TV channels such as BBC Four, Davie said he would not make specific recommendations but he thinks that “everything’s on the agenda”.
Yesterday UK culture secretary Nadine Dorries told the House of Commons that following the two-year freeze, the licence fee will rise in line with inflation for the following four years.
