BBC Speech and Sounds savings plans

Today BBC Speech and Sounds set out plans to meet savings targets and reshape its offer by reinvesting in distinctive programmes and podcasts that can reach audiences where they are.

Some programmes will close while others will change or broadcast less frequently. This will create space for new commissions that can work for both broadcast and on demand, as audiences increasingly discover audio through podcasts and other platforms.

These changes form part of plans across BBC Speech and Sounds that will deliver savings of at least 10% of its overall budget from April 2027. The proposals will also affect a number of production roles. Changes will be made in consultation with staff and unions.

Programme changes

• You and Yours will come to an end and the production team behind it is developing a refreshed consumer programme, designed to work both on air and on demand that builds on Radio 4's tradition of original reporting, practical advice, and holding organisations to account.
• Thinking Allowed, Free Thinking and The Artificial Human will end, making way for two all year round weekly programmes (rather than intermittent series) for Radio 4 and on demand – one exploring the ideas shaping our lives and the wider world, the other examining the impact of technology and AI. Start the Week and In Our Time will also expand to an hour, increasing overall airtime for ideas and technology. Commissioning briefs for the new titles will be published today.
• Open Country will come to an end while Farming Today’s weekend edition will expand, continuing Radio 4’s reporting and storytelling from farms and rural communities across the UK.
• 5 Live will see a reduction in commissioning spend on schedule and sports podcasts from 2027/28. We will also reduce the overall volume of our podcast slate on BBC Sounds to make space for new formats.

Jonathan Wall, Director, BBC Sounds, said: “We are reshaping BBC speech audio to build a strong future for trusted journalism, distinctive storytelling and programmes that bring people together. By commissioning fewer programmes overall, we can focus our investment and make our best shows work across broadcast, on demand and different formats.

“That means accelerating growth on our own digital platforms and reaching more people beyond the BBC, while maintaining the strength of Radio 4 and 5 Live, the country’s two biggest speech radio stations.

“These are difficult decisions, and they are not based on cost alone. We need to make significant savings while investing for the future. I am extremely grateful to the teams behind the programmes affected, and we will support colleagues and work closely with unions throughout consultation.”

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