BBC to close 200 websites

Hundreds of "top-level" domains to be scrutinised as part of wider review

BBC to scrap 200 websites

The BBC is to scrap 200 websites as part of a cost-cutting exercise intended to channel hundreds of millions of pounds into quality programming.

Announced last week, the broadcaster dubbed the programme ‘Putting Quality First’. The plan will affect several areas of the organisation, including its online operation, which is to be halved by 2013, and its £122m budget reduced by a quarter.

The BBC's director of future media and technology Erik Huggers also told The Guardian that some 400 "top-level domain" websites would be reviewed as part of the programme and that half of these websites will be closed or merged by 2012.

Huggers added that the Beeb had allowed its web operation to "sprawl" and while there is a need to refocus, the review does not mean a backward move in terms of its internet strategy.

"I'm not saying we should retreat from digital, it's fundamentally about focusing on why we exist and that should define what we do," he told the newspaper.

"And I think we can do this more responsibly, and with less money. I think these proposals will put the service in better shape, which is why I proposed them."

It is estimated that some 350 jobs – around 25 per cent of the BBC Online’s staff – could be at risk.

As a consequence of the BBC’s money-saving drive, radio stations 6 Music and the Asian Network will close next year.

The news sparked rage amongst the Twitter community, with messages with the keyword (hashtag) #save6music being posted by thousands of users and a petition on Facebook to avoid the axing signed by more than 62,000 people.

Teen TV services Switch and Blast have also been put forward for closure.