The BBC Storyville strand could be severely cut back, according to The Directors' and Producers' Rights Society.

The organisation has reportedly written to BBC director general Mark Thompson over its concerns that the series will be reduced due to BBC budgetary cuts.

According to Broadcast, the DPRS' letter voices "deep concern" over the "threatened emasculation" of Storyville, with cuts of around 50% to its BBC Four budget, and the "elimination" of its BBC Two budget.

BBC Two airs around five Storyvilles per year, with the remainder - up to 40 documentaries - on BBC Four.

The DPRS' letter said: "We believe in a strong BBC and its importance to the cultural health of this country. If it remains intent on destroying wonderful strands like Storyville, the BBC's claim to cultural importance will be sadly and dramatically diminished."