BBC makes £6m cuts to online services

The BBC today announced plans to save £6m (€8.7m) by scrapping some of its websites.

The corporation has been accused of distorting the market with sites which mirror those produced commercially.

Earlier this year it was ordered by the Government to redefine the role of its online services. The new closures should help the BBC make the case for charter renewal.

The culled sites, announced today, include the US sports and local history pages. Funding for the cult TV site, which features shows such as Buffy, 24, and The Simpsons will be reduced, although the Dr Who section will remain intact.

Ashley Highfield, the BBC’s Director of New Media and Technology, said the money saved from today’s announcement would be poured into new broadband projects.