The United Kingdom’s broadcaster, the BBC, has confirmed that its third channel BBC Three will go online-only starting from February 2016, due to budget cuts at the broadcaster. Since the inception of the Eurovision semi-final(s), the channel had played host to the United Kingdom’s broadcast of these rounds.
As a result, it is unknown whether the semi-finals will be upgraded to BBC Two or will follow BBC Three to some other platform. In a statement released today on the BBC’s website, the corporation has pledged that the channel’s “long-form programmes” will be relocated between BBC One and Two.
BBC Three launched in early 2003 with a target audience of the adolescent and young adult 16-34 range. Known for its ground-breaking and sometimes controversial shows and documentaries as well as being the catalyst for the careers of many of today’s BBC stars, the channel has been highly popular with audiences since its inception.
The channel began broadcasting the Eurovision semi-finals in 2004 and has been the home for this round of the contest in the UK since then.
What do you think about this news? Where will the UK’s semi broadcasts go now?
