The BBC is discussing the option of merging the domestic BBC News Channel with its international counterpart BBC World News.
Its one of no less than six options on the table, although BBC news and current affairs James Harding has made clear closing the 20 year old channel is not on the agenda.
A merged operation would see a single channel broadcast at home and abroad with a UK opt out – this would presumably close up the advertising breaks in what is a commercial channel.
There are also plans to reduce the amount of on-screen talent over the next five years with a cost saving of 10% envisaged.
Already single-headed presentation has been brought in on the majority of hours.
BBC News Channel already spends a considerable amount of its airtime sharing content with BBC One or BBC Two and the hour long Outside Source is already simulcast on both BBC World News and the News Channel each evening.
