Blow for comedy programming

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has rejected plans to relaunch BBC Choice as BBC3.

The new station, aimed at 16 to 34-year-olds, would have been the corporation's main commissioner of new comedy programmes.

In recent consultations, 65 per cent of viewers said they would welcome the new station.

The government's knockback will be a shock to the BBC as it plans to position itself in the digital multi-channel future.

However, plans for an arts channel, two children's services and five digital radio stations have been given the go-ahead.

The decision leaves the key 16-34 audience without a dedicated BBC channel, as BBC2 intended to reposition itself as a lifestyle channel dedicated to older viewers.

However, Jowell said the BBC could submit revised plans for the service.

She said: "The BBC still has not made the case for BBC3, the station for 16 to 34-year-olds. It was not clear that its proposals were truly distinctive in an already crowded market."

BBC director general Greg Dyke said: "We are delighted that the Secretary of State has approved eight of the nine services we proposed.

"However, we are surprised and naturally disappointed that the Secretary of State is not yet convinced by our plans for BBC Three.

"She has invited us to put forward fresh proposals for this channel. We intend to do so with urgency."

Published: 12 Sep 2001