THE BBC is to close two radio stations and drastically cut back its website as part of a wide-ranging strategy review which could see the loss of 600 jobs, it emerged today.

THE BBC is to close two radio stations and drastically cut back its website as part of a wide-ranging strategy review which could see the loss of 600 jobs, it emerged today.

The 6 Music and Asian Network stations are set for the axe, while the number of sections on its website are set to be halved. It is alsi planned to close “lower performing sites” and spend 25% less on online offerings.

The closure of teen-focused output BBC Switch and Blast! is also recommended.

In a report to the BBC Trust titled Putting Quality First, the corporation said it wants to reprioritise nearly �600 million a year to higher quality content.

Spend on imported programmes and films would be reduced by 20%, capping it thereafter at no more than 2.5p in every licence fee pound.

Spending on sports rights would be capped at 9p in every licence fee pound.

Confirmation of the cuts, which had already been leaked, sparked anger among staff, with warnings that hundreds of jobs could now be lost.

Gerry Morrissey, general secretary of the broadcasting workers' union Bectu, said up to 600 jobs could go.