BBC World Service saves Hindi news output

BBC World Service has confirmed plans to temporarily retain an evening news broadcast in Hindi for Indian audiences while it seeks alternative funding for the service.

In January, World Service announced sweeping operational cuts towards the aim of saving around £46 million a year by 2014.

The global broadcaster will shed up to 650 jobs by 2015 and shut down various broadcast services, including its news and current affairs radio output in Hindi.

In a statement today, the BBC noted that there has been much "public discussion" since the announcement about the potential for retaining the BBC Hindi broadcasts.

A campaign to save the service has also resulted in a "number of commercial parties" approaching the BBC with alternative funding proposals.

BBC World Service has therefore decided to retain an hour-long evening news and current affairs bulletin in Hindi on an interim basis. The broadcast will be available on all platforms via shortwave, online and mobile.

During the 2011/12 financial year, the corporation will seek commercial funding to support the Hindi broadcast on a more permanent basis. However, if a sustainable source is not found before March 2012, then World Service said that it will be forced to close the service.