BBC sets plans for next decade

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Bill, for sharing a link to this article which summarizes the BBC's plans for the next ten years.

BBC director general, Tony Hall, said the corporation will become an "open BBC for the internet age".

While Hall was quick to add that funding cuts would equate to "the loss or reduction of some services" he also highlighted several efforts that would include shortwave and mediumwave broadcasts, including:

• "Significant investment" in the BBC World Service, including a daily news programme for North Korea and more broadcasts to Russia, India and the Middle East
• A news service for Ethiopia and Eritrea on medium wave and short wave

Of course, we can expect more cuts to BBC World Service shortwave broadcasting over the next ten years even if it wasn't specifically mentioned in Hall's speech. If we're lucky, the BBC will continue to broadcast into those parts of the world that still rely on shortwave. Specifically mentioning North Korea, Ethiopia and Eritrea appears to be a nod in that direction.

Click here to read this article on the BBC News website.

Also, The Guardian has posted the full text of Tony Hall's speech. It's worth reading.