[Keith]

I think when it comes to whether BBC Four and CBBC close as linear channels a lot depends upon the licence fee. It was previously frozen for two years, which is probably the cause of some of the cuts we've already experienced.

If I recall in April 2024 it is due to rise by inflation for 4 years. In the event that the current government or culture secretary change their mind and decide to either freeze it again or not increase by inflation then both BBC Four and CBBC will definitely close. Arguably a small above inflation increase is needed, given the real term cuts to it over the past decade.

One could suggest that by saying the fate of BBC Four has not been decided it's a way to ensure that the government keeps it's word.

Edit: For reference in 2010 the licence fee was £145.50. If it had increased with inflation each year according to the Bank of England's inflation calculator it would now be £207.38. By contrast it's currently only £159 (and a monochrome licence is £53.50).