A network, not a Network

Controller Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network Andy Parfitt has been talking to BizAsia about the BBC's proposals to serve British Asians after the proposed closure of the Asian Network. He intends re-configuring it as a set of "regional/local franchises with locally produced and relevant content in London, Manchester, Leicester, Birmingham and North Yorkshire [Ed's note: My mate H says Andy probably means West Yorkshire], but supported by a core of syndicated programmes - like our current affairs phone in or new music offer".

This reads like dressing-up evening and weekend output on BBC local radio stations - and is not progress but a return to the pre-DAB Asian Network set-up. It suggests redeployment not job cuts for those in Leicester - and, as staffing costs are the bulk of the running costs, the only saving might be on DAB transmission. Again, the BBC owns the multiplex, and can't sell bits of it.

A similar plan could be argued for 1Xtra, but Mr Parfitt's not offering that.