BBC bosses 'to axe red button' amid £150m cuts

BBC bosses are considering shutting the Red Button service while sports coverage could be reduced as they look to make £150 million cuts.

The broadcaster said the savings were as a result of what it referred to as the "iPlayer loophole", where viewers watch programmes on online without paying the licence fee.

The Red Button service is often used to give access to extra channels when major events are taking place such as Glastonbury and Wimbledon.

BBC News reported £35 million will be cut from sports rights, having already dropped coverage of The Open golf tournament.

However, hit shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and BBC dramas are believed to be protected from about £12 million cuts to the TV budget.

The corporation recently lost rights to screen The Voice after refusing to enter a bidding war to keep it.