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Trust backs BBC3’s move online

The BBC’s plans to make youth-skewing BBC3 an online-only channel have moved a step closer after the proposal was backed by the pubcaster’s governing body.

The BBC Trust said in its provisional findings today that the Public Value Test for the move had been met.

A further round of consultation will follow before a final decision is delivered but that now appears to be a formality.

In a statement the Trust said: “The Trust’s public value assessment identifies clear long-term potential in a new online service that would save £30m [US$47m] a year and that it thinks will be more distinctive than the existing BBC3 channel, whose audience is currently falling.

“Those aged 16 to 34 are already far more likely than any other group to use online video services and the BBC is right to anticipate the need to serve this audience in new ways”

That £30m is less than the £50m the BBC said the move would save it each year when the plans were first confirmed in 2014.

The Trust went on to say it was concerned the corporation would reach fewer younger viewers, particularly those with unreliable broadband connections, and about the potential impact on the BBC’s ability to try new ideas and develop talent. It wants to see other slots open up on BBC broadcast channels, not just BBC3 online, where risks can be taken with new talent.

The proposals have been the subject of fierce opposition from producers and television stars alike. Avalon joint MD Jon Thoday and Hat Trick MD Jimmy Mulville have made an offer to buy the channel and run it independently, but that was dismissed by the BBC.

In related news, the Trust has rejected the proposals for a BBC1+1 channel, saying it did not meet its public value test.

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