CBBC Is Being Scrapped By The BBC - But Why?

The BBC announced earlier today that they will be axing the broadcast of channels CBBC, BBC Four and Radio 4 Extra in the transition towards a “modern, digital-led and streamlined organisation.”

The BBC has stated that whilst the content will still be produced, it will be moved to online platforms such as BBC iPlayer and BBC sounds.

Director-general Tim Davie has stated that the BBC must respond to the ever-evolving and rapidly progressive digital world, claiming that “this is our moment to build a digital-first BBC.”

The changes to the BBC outlined earlier today will lead to cuts of £200 million a year, with a frontal focus on its digital platforms and how they can be utilised. Consequently, the plans could mean that 1,000 employees will lose their jobs, however Mr Davie stated that the BBC would talk to trade unions on the proposals. 

A BBC spokesperson told LADbible that the changes would not be taking effect for at least three years, and as such there are no immediate job cuts or shows coming to an end.

As well as the much-loved and famous kids TV channel being scrapped, there are said to be major changes being made to the output of BBC news. BBC World News and the BBC News Channel are set to merge and become one channel, with the director stating that this will mean more value from the nationally paid licence fee. 

With Hacker the iconic presenting dog puppet now out of a job, fans have taken to Twitter to express their sadness about the loss of a channel that was a big part of their childhood. One tweeted empathising with CBBC fans today...

Not now but during KS2 Hacker the Dog and Horrible Histories were life. I'm sure there's stuff on there now that kids feel the same way about.

— SophieM (@SophieRose19x) May 26, 2022

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman was in support of the changes made by the BBC stating today that “the BBC is a world-class broadcaster, but like other broadcasters one that needs to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape.”

The director of the BBC has stated that this will be a “A fresh, new, global digital media organisation which has never been seen before”, but it seems as though it may be a while before viewers take to the new form of broadcast.