For the first time in the channel’s history, BBC Parliament effectively closed down (albeit temporarily) today when it began simulcasting the BBC News Channel from 10am.
As part of a range of cutbacks at the channel, BBC Parliament will be off the air for the duration of Parliament’s summer break.
BBC Parliament will retain its spot on EPGs during this time. But rather than putting out a test card or text-based caption, it will carry a live relay of the BBC News Channel.
The cuts to the channel’s budget will also mark the end of rolling coverage of party conferences in the autumn.
The Day in Parliament and The Week in Parliament are set to be replaced by a new weekly highlights programme, Politics UK, from the autumn. Coverage of the House of Lords and Select committees is also expected to be significantly reduced.
Here’s the point where BBC Parliament transitioned to the BBC News Channel this morning:
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