Final decision to close BBC Asian Network made
The BBC Trust today signalled an end for the BBC Asian Network, as it has agreed for initial plans to scale back and possibly close the station. Earlier this year it was reported that the BBC Asian Network along with BBC 6 Music were both up for closure under stringent cost cutting measures by BBC Head Mark Thompson.
However after somewhat subdued protests; it was today announced that the BBC Asian Nework would loose its national broadcast ability. The final numbers of letter/emails sent in to complain against the closure of the BBC Asian Network touched a mere 600, whereas the campaign for 6 Music had included billboards in key central london areas to raise awareness.
The future of the Asian Network is still up in the air, however more localised smaller stations are being discussed as possible replacements, with Birmingham, Leicester and London being the three ethnic hotspots mentioned.
It is also unclear whether flagship shows such as 'Friction' 'Breakdown' and 'The Bhangra Mixtape' will continue.
