BBC Three And Radio 1 To Merge?

Reports suggest that BBC Three and BBC Radio 1 could merge under the same division in the near future.

16:42 15 February 2016

On 16 February, the TV channel is going to be “online-only” and moving it within a new “youth division” is also being considered by the BBC management.

 

A single controller may oversee all BBC platforms aimed at 16-34 years old, including the popular radio station.

 

Although the BBC has said that it is considering making changes to the “structure for digital age”, no changes had been confirmed.

 

BBC Three was launched in 2003 as a digital TV channel. In November 2015, it was moved online as part of BBC Trust’s cost-cutting moves.

 

Sources said that plans are at the ideas stage but are being “seriously considered” by strategists. They added that such plans will be most likely to be implemented if BBC Three fails to get “sufficient traction.”

 

BBC Three controller Damian Kavanagh said that he is unaware of such a plan but confirmed that "there are a lot of conversations going on".

 

He added that BBC Three and Radio 1 were “talking to the same audiences on different things” and already collaborate.

 

A BBC spokesman said: "Everyone knows we are looking at the BBC's structure to make sure we are fit for the digital age.

 

"There has already been a lot of speculation about our future shape and there will no doubt be plenty more, but when we've got something to announce we'll do so."