Report: BBC to move away from channel-focused structure

The BBC is reportedly planning to scrap its existing channel-based structure, replacing it with content and audience-led divisions.

According to a Telegraph report, the BBC is planning to abolish its radio and television divisions, as part of a radical overhaul for the business that will be revealed by director general Tony Hall in the coming months.

The report claims that while the BBC’s TV and radio channels will remain on-air, the new structure will help the BBC keep pace with technological developments and the blurring between traditional and online media.

It also said that the BBC will not replace BBC director of television Danny Cohen, who left the corporation for a “new leadership challenge” late last year.

The news comes in the same week that the BBC switches off the linear feed of the BBC’s youth channel, BBC Three. Yesterday marked the last evening of linear broadcast, with the BBC  taking it online-only as part of a plan to reinvent the BBC’s offering for young people.

Separately, the Radio Times reported at the weekend that senior BBC strategist are considering merging BBC Three and Radio 1, and appointing a single ‘youth controller’ to oversee all platforms aimed at 16-34 year olds.

A BBC spokesperson 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”.