Fri Mar 12, 2010 by Anil Kalhan
SAJAforum: UK: BBC Asian Network on the Chopping Block?
When the BBC Asian Network was launched back in 2002 as a nationwide digital radio station throughout Britain, the BBC’s then-radio director, Jenny Abramsky, called it “one of the most important things the BBC has ever done.” Since then, the Asian Network has developed a loyal following, both in Britain and, via the internet, around the world.
[Because of immigration patterns, “Asian” is the UK word for South Asians.]
Today, however, the Asian Network’s future is very much in doubt. On the eve of British general elections, a strategy review by BBC management proposes major changes in the BBC’s operations — including the closure of the Asian Network (and another network, BBC 6 Music) altogether….