In a controversial move, BBC director-general Mark Thompson is to ditch two digital radio stations – BBC 6 Music and Asian Network – following a strategic review.

The earliest the stations are expected to close is at the end of 2011. Mr Thompson also revealed that the Corporation would close half its websites by 2013.

He wanted to see 90p of every licence fee £1 spent on programming and said the BBC would spend 25 per cent less on BBC online.

The changes, he pointed out, should mean around £600 million being diverted into making programmes.

He foresees more money being put into international news and more money earmarked for quality programmes, “to make fewer things better”.

The review has been sent to the BBC Trust and a public consultation will follow.

The proposed closure of 6 Music has caused a furore in the music industry and the media linked to it with leading musicians and producers speaking out against it. The move was even criticised by the head of the British Phonographic Institute and the Association of Independent Music.

Even BBC broadcaster and journalist Charlie Brooker was quoted by BBC online as saying: “I was going to buy a digital radio next week. If they get rid of BBC 6 Music I might as well not bother.”

An online petition to save 6 Music and the Asian Network is available online at www.petition.fm/petitions/6musicasiannet/1000/.