Today the Times published a “leak” from the BBC. The report confirmed major cuts (as expected) to many of their services, most of which have only been around for 5-10 years. When the BBC had it’s digital spasam 8 years ago we were promised TV where we could choose which seat in the stadium we could watch the footy from and visual radio so amazing it would blow our minds. With just two years to go before the digital switchover some of their digital experiments have worked and some haven’t. Here are some of my highlights from the digital spasm and the elements that should be put to sleep to save the success of BBC 6 Music and it’s other web properties that are also up for the chop.

Highlights:

• - The BBC News Website
• - Complementary web experiences to TV programmes
• - Learning, Knowledge and Lifestyle sites
• - iPlayer catchup for TV programmes
• - BBC Four
• - BBC Parliament (although underused this country needs a CSPAN)
• - Multiple streams available via Red Button for big events
• - BBC 6 Music and “Introducing” (Should be internet only, but it provides a valuable service to the discovery of new music genres and artists)

To be put to sleep:

• - BBC Three (due to the nature of the way the BBC is run, you cannot force new and unique comedy/entertainment just by splitting up a rather small budget anyway and then go ahead and commission every idea. Quantity not Quality seems to be the motto here. Older audiences are offended by it’s output and younger audiences think it’s lame so let’s just give up…please).
• - The Red Button (It’s slow and difficult to navigate, worth waiting for when accessing multiple video streams, but for text and other interaction it’s not worth the wait. Just go online instead.)
• - Broadcasting via DAB (The internet offers a greater experience, is far cheaper and is more accessible than DAB)
• - Mobile (I’m not aware of anyone using BBC mobile services, they currently do not seem to add value versus the cost of supporting them)

So why cut BBC 6 Music? I think there are many more useless and far more weighty services that could be cut. Like the BBC being on DAB at all. Looking from a brand perspective, BBC 6 Music cuts a cord with the “skins” watching audience that BBC Three and Switch craves for, it was building quite a following.

Obviously there are far more elements in play, but I thought I would add this quick comment the day the music died.