Towards a classical music monopoly


Cuts announced by the BBC today reduce Radio 3's budget by 4% to £40.3 milion. With overall reductions averaging 20% this means the classical network has suffered less than other BBC channels. Radio 3 savings will come from fewer lunchtime concerts, less drama and shared news bulletins with Radio 4, but these are being offset by increased funding for the Proms. All of which begs two important questions. Is there sufficient accountability for how that £40.3 million is spent? And, with other arts organisations suffering far more severe cuts, does the BBC now have an unacceptable position of monopoly in the UK classical music market?

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