It looks like BBC is planning to close down its HD channel, which may be replaced by BBC Two. BBC HD was started around four years ago.
This step is a part of the broadcasting company's Delivering Quality First Initiative. The initiative is basically focused on cutting operating costs as BBC is now facing major budget cuts. BBC is also looking to take further steps in order to deal with massive budget cuts for BBC Two, Three and Four. BBC One has also to deal with small cutback in its budget.
BBC is now planning to retain BBC Three and Four as supporting channels and to focus its attention on the bigger channels BBC One and BBC Two. BBC HD was started in 2006 and was one of the few HD channels which were free to air. The channel used to air popular BBC programs such as Top Gear. The latest step does not come as a surprise as right from the beginning of this year, there had been rumors floating around about the imminent departure of the channel. Its Head Danielle Negler left the company in September this year.
BBC is also planning to scale back BBC Red Button interactive service. According to Mark Thompson, director general of BBC, "This is a plan which puts quality and creativity first. It’s a plan for a smaller BBC, but a BBC which uses its resources more effectively and collaboratively to deliver a full range of services to the public." The BBC Trust is currently gathering public opinion on the proposals made by the BBC. The discussion will be closed in December.