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BBC to cut Radio 4 programmes including You and Yours as part of £500m savings plan
Overview
The BBC has announced it is cutting several Radio 4 programmes, including the consumer show You and Yours, social sciences show Thinking Allowed, and arts programme Free Thinking, as part of a wider effort to save £500m. Radio 5 Live will also face reductions in commissioning and podcasts. However, the corporation plans to invest in a new consumer programme and shows focused on technology, AI, and global ideas, while expanding existing shows such as In Our Time, Start the Week, and Farming Today.
Key points
- Radio 4 shows You and Yours, Thinking Allowed, Free Thinking, The Artificial Human, and Open Country are being cut.
- Radio 5 Live will experience a reduction in scheduling commissions and podcasts.
- The BBC is committing to investing in a new consumer programme and two new weekly shows about technology, AI, and global ideas.
- Flagship programmes In Our Time, Start the Week, and Farming Today will be expanded in length.
- The cuts form part of the BBC's plan to achieve £500m in savings amidst financial pressures and changing audience habits.