The BBC has confirmed that the merger of the BBC News channel and BBC World News channel will occur in 2023.
The decision, which was part of plans for the broadcaster to become “digital first,” was first announced earlier this year as part of financial efficiency measures.
The newly created channel will be named “BBC News” and will be broadcast from London when it is daytime in the UK. Outside of the UK’s daytime hours, the channel will broadcast Washington DC and Singapore, when it is daytime in those countries. The channel is predicted to start broadcasting in April next year.
Alongside plans to combine the two news channels, there were a number of other announcements:
- The broadcaster also plans to create new “global facing” sport-themed broadcast television shows to co-exist alongside its UK-themed sports content.
- Some BBC radio shows will also be broadcast on the new UK version of the TV channel or on terrestrial BBC TV channels such as BBC Two.
The move toward placing radio shows on TV is not uncommon in the broadcast industry with TalkTV and LBC having similar options for their audiences.
Commenting on the announcement, BBC News’ digital director, Naja Nielsen, said: “Our aim is to create the best live and breaking video news service in the world– on our web pages, our apps, on iPlayer and on our new TV news channel.
“As the world’s most trusted source of news, with a huge depth and breadth of expertise, the BBC is uniquely placed to offer audiences the best analysis and explanation as these stories are unfolding.”
The BBC concluded by saying that everything that has been announced is “subject to consultation with staff and trade unions”.
Featured Image Credit: BBC
