The BBC has confirmed that Radio 4 Extra will close in Spring 2027.

The closure, first announced in 2022, forms part of a wider review of the BBC’s broadcast services. While this reflects our longer-term direction, the timing of the closure in Spring 2027 is driven by the financial pressures we face. 

As announced in April, the BBC needs to make £500m in savings over the next two years. You can read more about that announcement on the BBC Media Centre website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2026/bbc-announces-next-phase-of-savings-linear-broadcast-services  In addition, the BBC needs to adapt to the changing ways audiences are choosing to listen to content, which require us to focus our resources differently. 

We know the decision to close Radio 4 Extra will be disappointing for the station's loyal and dedicated audience. We are currently working on how we can continue to provide Radio 4 Extra listeners with the content they value most through other BBC platforms, including Radio 4 and BBC Sounds, where they will continue to find drama and comedy from both our archive and new commissions. 

The Daily Service will continue to be available on BBC Sounds and will also be broadcast on BBC Local Radio. 

We will share more information about the timing of the closure and where to find programmes ahead of the change.