BBC execs 'repel BBC Two daytime axe plans'

BBC executives have reportedly been successful in fighting off a proposal to replace BBC Two's daytime programming with a simulcast of the BBC News channel, as part of the corporation's cost-cutting drive.

Earlier in the month, it emerged that BBC director general Mark Thomson's idea to axe some of BBC Two's daytime schedule in order to save money was "gaining ground" among senior BBC managers.

The proposal was among a range of ideas being considered as part of the Delivering Quality First initiative, which aims to help the BBC cut 20% from across its budget.

However, The Guardian reports that BBC Two controller Janice Hadlow and BBC Daytime controller Liam Keelan are drafting plans for a revised schedule featuring a two-to-three hour period of repeated factual shows, such as those screened on BBC Four.

As BBC Four does not start broadcasting until 7pm, the BBC sees the logic in giving viewers the chance to catch up on documentary programmes they might have missed.

Under the proposal, BBC Two would also air a series of themed programme seasons, potentially running across a week, and sometimes linked to events or anniversaries. There could further be the possibility of broadcasting some programmes from the BBC Archives.

The Daily Politics Show would continue to air as normal at lunchtime on BBC Two, and the channel would revert to its normal schedule at 6pm for Eggheads.

Final decisions in the DQF initiative were supposed to be reached next month, but they have been delayed until autumn, when they will put before the BBC Trust for approval.

A BBC spokesperson said: "We are not going to get drawn into a running commentary - no decisions have been taken and therefore these claims remain speculation. Any decisions coming out of the process would be subject to approval by the BBC Trust."

On Wednesday, the BBC's Hindi short-wave radio service was saved from closure after foreign secretary William Hague agreed to provide extra funds for BBC World Service.