BBC to close BBC Three, BBC Scotland and Radio 4 Extra, move TV content online and seek £500m in savings through up to 2,000 job cuts

The BBC plans to close BBC Three and BBC Scotland in the spring, moving their content exclusively online, and shut Radio 4 Extra as part of a cost-cutting drive intended to save £500 million, or $670 million, over two years.

BBC Director-General Matt Brittin said financial pressures and changing audience habits made the measures necessary, adding that the corporation faced “tough choices.” He said the news had been the subject of media speculation, but its confirmation would be difficult for audiences and colleagues alike.

The BBC is seeking to cut between 1,800 and 2,000 jobs—nearly one in 10 of its workforce—to meet the savings target. On Tuesday, it also confirmed further cuts in its news division, after previously announcing around 550 job cuts in news and more than 30 at BBC Sport.

Radio 4 Extra primarily broadcasts archived speech programmes, including comedy, drama and documentaries.