BBC to shut part of website in bid to cut costs

London: The BBC will shut part of its website and close two radio stations in order to sharply reduce spending, the Times of London reported.

The paper also said spending on American programming will be reduced when the overhaul is announced next month. BBC officials on Friday refused to comment.

The Times said the 6 Music and Asian Network radio stations will be stopped and a number of BBC magazines face possible closure. The newspaper says the number of web pages produced will be cut in half, with a staff cut of 25 per cent.

The BBC depends heavily on TV license fees paid by British consumers, and complaints have multiplied that the national broadcaster costs too much money.