(17) BBC shelves plans to shut news channel

Link: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/06/bbc-shelves-plans-to-shut-news-channel

 

 

Summary:

 

The BBC is understood to have shelved plans to potentially shut its 24-hour news channel.

The corporation has been exploring plans to make the BBC News TV channel online-only

and replacing it with a mobile streaming service if further cuts need to be made.

It is understood that director general Tony Hall, who launched BBC News 24 and BBC News Online and went on to hold the post of chief executive of the news operation, was personally involved in the decision process. It is understood that the BBC Trust has also seen the outcome of the review of the cost-benefit analysis of potentially shutting the channel and similarly believe the case is not strong. In September, Hall outlined plans to move towards a mobile-focused streaming news service, called BBC Newstream, which would deliver more video-based stories “complemented by audio, graphics and text live from BBC News”. The BBC declined to comment.

 

Key data/statistical information:

• Corporation review into cost benefits of making channel online-only understood to show savings would only have been around £16m a year
• The total costs associated with running the channel are in excess of £110m a year, including production, newsgathering, content, distribution and infrastructure.
• It is understood a review of the cost benefits of closing the TV channel found that it was likely to only save perhaps £15m to £16m annually, not as big a saving as expected.

What's my view?

I think that it in the future, this potentially could happen due to the increase in new and digital media. The new and upcoming generation would be more intrigued with news being on-line.