BBC line up even more repeats in TV schedule in bid to save money

THE BBC is pumping out even more repeats as it tries to save money.

It has put extra re-runs on all of its three main TV channels as part of a £1billion cost-cutting drive this year.

AlamyDespite the flood of re-runs viewers still have to fork out the full £159 for their TV licence[/caption]

There was a 22 per cent increase in repeat programming alone on BBC One, the National Audit Office reports.

But despite the flood of re-runs viewers still have to fork out the full £159 for their TV licence.

Further cutbacks next year will probably mean even more repeats, the report adds.

But NAO head Gareth Davies warned: “The BBC must ensure its savings plans do not further erode its position with audiences.”

The corporation has been battling a falling audience share as it faces competition from streaming services such as Netflix.

It had agreed to find £800million in savings but is likely to hit a revised £1billion target.

However, it conceded that 41 per cent of the savings would come from from pruning content and services.

Another 12 per cent of savings would come from income generation and 11 per cent from changes to the scheduling mix.

The Beeb is negotiating with the Government on the level of the licence fee from next year — the outcome of which may increase the savings it will need to find.