Following endless rumours and speculation, the BBC have confirmed plans to close BBC Three as a TV channel in 2015.
The broadcasting company claim that by closing the channel they could save Ā£50 million a year and put Ā£30 million of that saving into BBC One drama. The plans also include an extension to CBBC by one hour per night and to launch a BBC One +1 channel.
The BBC intend to relaunch BBC Three as an online service
In a statement Danny Cohen, Director of BBC Television, said, “This is the biggest strategic decision the BBC has made in over a decade. While it has been an extremely difficult decision born out of financial necessity, I believe it is also a creatively energising and innovative move. In autumn 2015 we plan to close BBC Three as a linear TV Channel and in its place we will develop a bold, ambitious, future-facing new version of BBC Three online.”
If the plans are approved by the BBC Trust, BBC Three would cease as a broadcast channel in Autumn 2015.