BBC to cut number of programmes it makes, says director general

Tim Davie suggests more stations could become archive services, as he prepares to announce deep cuts

The BBC will cut the number of programmes it makes and consider turning more television and radio stations into archive services, according to the corporation's director general.

Tim Davie is preparing to announce deep cuts to BBC output in the coming weeks, with staff nervously wondering whether their programmes or channels will be axed. The corporation estimates it needs to find another 285m in annual savings as a result of government-imposed cuts to its budget.