The BBC has announced that it is to close 6 Music and its Asian Network as the corporation unveils the biggest shake-up in its 88-year history.
In a wide-ranging strategy review, the BBC said it wants to halve the number of sections on its website, close 'lower performing sites' and spend 25% less.
The closure of teen websites BBC Switch and Blast! is recommended.
Spend on imported programmes and films will be reduced by 20%, capping it thereafter at no more than 2.5p in every licence fee pound, while spending on sports rights will be capped at 9p in every licence fee pound.
The BBC said the licence fee would focus on five priorities - 'the best journalism in the world, inspiring knowledge, music and culture, ambitious UK drama and comedy, outstanding children's content and events that bring communities and the nation together.'
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.
The proposals were drawn up by the BBC Executive following a challenge from the BBC Trust to carry out a full-scale review of the BBC's strategy.
The BBC said its strategy 'includes a full rationalisation' of BBC Online. It plans to spend 25% less on the site per year by 2013.
BBC Online will need a new 'harder' focus on quality and distinctiveness, the report said.
'All online content should feel justified and purposeful: not extraneous or encyclopaedic, but within a distinct editorial purpose.'
Some sites which are currently live will be closed, while others will be consolidated.
Music legend David Bowie has joined efforts to oppose the planned closure of 6 Music, which has 695,000 listeners and a DJ line-up that includes Jarvis Cocker and Lauren Laverne.
He said: '6 Music keeps the spirit of broadcasters like John Peel alive and for new artists to lose this station would be a great shame.'
Whispers about the demise of the station had already led to a Facebook campaign with more than 60,000 supporters.
