The BBC plans to close some of its small regional satellite offices in a move aimed at cutting operational costs.

The drive will see up to 20 locations shut down in places like Scarborough, Blackpool, Canterbury, Grimsby and Portsmouth.

The BBC said they were "very small, often unstaffed sites", and that the closures would not affect its 39 local radio stations.

"Closing them will save money at a time when the BBC faces significant financial pressures," the broadcaster quotes a spokesman to say.

No job losses are however expected.

The offices are mainly used to file stories or conduct interviews, but the rise of video apps has meant that is increasingly unnecessary.

"We have 39 broadcast bases across England. These sites are supported by a number of very small, often unstaffed sites in nearby locations," the spokesman said.

"New technology means these smaller sites are no longer needed."

BBC director general Tony Hall recently said the corporation will need to save £125m this year, partly because of financial pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The broadcaster has suspended plans to cut 450 jobs due to the demands of covering the crisis.

Source(s): BBC