BBC 3 Set to Disappear into Cyberspace

Tony Hall's axe has swiftly fallen on its youth-orientated TV channel, BBC 3, as the BBC tries to save £100 million.

The channel, which launched in 2003, is now set to be moved online, to the corporation's iPlayer service in Autumn 2015. The latest cost-cutting measure by the BBC Director General, is an attempt to save popular BBC 1 dramas, such as Sherlock and Doctor Who.

The cost cutting comes after its TV License was frozen in 2010 by the new coalition Government. That started the ball rolling on £700 million worth of cuts. However, in order to not sacrifice the BBC's flagship dramas, more was needed.

This move comes as a shock, as in October last year, Hall was quoted as having said that "I would not consider closing a channel." More recently, people expected the cuts to fall on the head of BBC 4, with the possibility to migrating audiences to BBC2. Now we're expected to live in a world where we have fourth channel, without a third.

It is important to note at this point that the BBC's Digital Media Initiative, which aimed to modernise production and archiving, cost £98 million. The scheme, after five years, was finally abandoned in May 2013, and was proclaimed as a debacle by many. Perhaps it is a tad presumptuous, but it is very easy to draw conclusions between their failure and the closure of a successful channel.

It is therefore understandable why people are angry and are speaking out against the BBC's decision; many very notable names. Comedian Russell Kane said "I don't see why it should be cut because people who are younger have quieter voices in the political process."

Another, Ash Atalla who has produced various shows on the channel, went on Newsnight to share his thoughts. He stated how the decision had meant "the BBC has got whiter, older and more middle class because it's the BBC3 audience that is the most diverse of all channels."

The channel has been the home to many shows which have gone on to become household favourites. Gavin and Stacey, Being Human, Torchwood and Little Britain all started their life there.

Of course, moving a channel aimed at younger viewers online, is not a completely bad idea. It is well known that people no longer have the same viewing habits they once had; especially younger ones. Some are now watching programs online, and opting to watch content on their tablets and laptops. But does that give the BBC the right to treat their younger audience in this way?  

While the BBC 3 brand will remain, it cannot be the same. With a decreased budget, it will not be able to produce the same volume of programs with quality. And being online, it will not be as appealing to new talent. As well as that, they will lose the rights to American imports such as Family Guy, for which they are perhaps most renowned for.

Unfortunately, this might not be the end of belt-tightening measures at the BBC. Danny Cohen, director of television at the BBC, said on Radio 5 Live that 'We will have to see what happens in the future with the licence fee whether we can keep BBC4."

It is a shame to see such a great organisation, which provides so many valued and needed services, become restricted by political and economic pressures.