BBC director general Tim Davie has warned that traditional broadcast television and radio could be switched off within the next decade as the corporation prepares to become an online-only service. In a speech to the Royal Television Society, Davie outlined a vision of 'infinite choice' where linear channels and radio stations are phased out by the 2030s.
Davie said the BBC is committed to live broadcasting but expects a gradual switch-off of standalone channels, with CBBC and BBC Four already earmarked for online-only transition. He suggested that distinct brands like BBC One or BBC Radio 4 could disappear, with content consolidated into a single app offering tailored news, education, and entertainment.
The director general acknowledged the risk of losing older, poorer, or rural audiences who lack strong internet connections. 'Moving to digital while not losing most of your audience and burning millions of pounds unnecessarily is the challenge,' he said. The BBC's live audiences are declining across all outlets, with the average BBC One viewer in their 60s.
Davie also called for a new funding model, stating he is 'open-minded' about replacing the licence fee, which expires in 2027. Options include direct taxation or levies on broadband connections. He warned that without more government funding, the World Service would face further cuts, noting that Russia and China are heavily investing in state-backed media.
