In August this year, BBC World Service will cease broadcasting the Romanian-language service it started in 1939.
The decision to shut down the service follows a review by the BBC of its foreign-language services in the light of the 2008–2011 funding levels agreed with the U.K. government.
While the funding agreement gave increased resources for new projects such as television services for BBC Arabic and BBC Persian, it also imposed tough savings targets.
As reasons for the decision, BBC World Service cited intensified media competition, the subsequent loss of FM network partner stations, the costs of maintaining a shortwave service and falling audiences in Romania since its accession to the European Union in 2007.
“Like the other European services we closed three years ago, BBC Romanian had its roots in the Second World War. It has served its audiences with distinction through the Communist era to the present day,” said BBC World Service Director Nigel Chapman.
“This was a tough decision but one that is right to ensure BBC World Service continues to put its limited resources where it is most needed,” Chapman said.
