The BBC has proposed axing two popular radio stations as part of a cut back exercise.

Plans are afoot to close the Asian Network and 6 Music amid public calls for restraint.

Online services from the broadcaster will also be stripped back.

Director general of the corporation, Mark Thompson, said youth internet content would be better provided by companies such as Channel 4.

He pledged that in the future 90p of every licence fee £1 will be spent on programming and that the corporation would spend 25% less on BBC online.

Mr Thompson's proposals will now be considered by the BBC Trust and then put to a 12 week public consultation process.

The Trust called for a review in July to address questions about the scope of the BBC's activities, focusing on how the corporation can deliver its public service mission whilst offering value for money.

BBC Trust Chairman Sir Michael Lyons said: "The public pick up the bill for the BBC and it is right that it constantly evolves to meet their expectations. This strategy review is a key part of that process.

"We are clear it heads towards a more disciplined and sharply focused BBC. That will mean some difficult choices. But we will not shrink from those choices where they are in the interests of licence fee payers."

The Trust said it will use the responses from the 12 week consultation and its own analysis to form a final view on what the future strategic framework for the BBC ought to be.

Stars such as David Bowie and DJ Mark Ronson have been vocal in their opposition to the closure of 6 Music.

See: BBC's Thompson 'Putting Quality First'

(PR/BMcC)