BBC director-general Matt Brittin has warned that the broadcaster may close some television and radio services as it seeks to save £500 million and adapt to audiences increasingly watching online. He said no programme or channel could be guaranteed to exist indefinitely, while stressing that decisions were being driven by financial pressures and changing viewing habits.

Brittin cited services attracting about 100,000 broadcast viewers compared with 500,000 iPlayer users as an example of when a shift to on-demand delivery might make sense. The savings target follows an earlier £1.5 billion plan, with up to 2,000 jobs potentially at risk; speculation surrounds BBC Three, although no closures have been confirmed. The BBC is also negotiating pay with unions, which have rejected two offers and may take industrial action.