Despite a very vocal campaign to save it, it now looks as if BBC3 will become an online-only channel with a greatly reduced budget.

The BBC Trust has today approved the BBC's plans to scrap the BBC3 TV channel to save £30m a year.

The regulator recognised the “clear long-term potential” in moving online, but this surely means that there will be less investment in new comedy. The channel has consistently punched above its weight in terms of developing new comedies. Hits have included The Mighty Boosh, Little Britain and Gavin & Stacey (though it has been pointed out that a number of the channel's hits originally started out on radio).

At the moment the plan is to turn the TV version of BBC3 off in early 2016.