BBC launches Culture in Quarantine

The BBC has launched 'Culture in Quarantine', an arts and culture initiative across radio, television and digital platforms.

Guides to closed exhibitions, collections, performances and festivals will be made available through the BBC's channels. Arts Council England and other national funders and producing bodies are helping with delivery.

It is part of the broadcaster's wider move to reflect the "challenging times" ahead and provide more coronavirus-related content.

Lord Tony Hall said "there will be disruption to our output along the way, but we will do our very best".

The changes include:

• A daily coronavirus podcast and weekly prime-time coronavirus special on BBC One
• The One Show will be used as a consumer programme providing advice on all aspects of the crisis
• Health Check UK Live – a daily BBC One programme – will address concerns of viewers in isolation
• Regular phone-ins on Radio 5 Live
• A virtual church service on Sundays
• Educational programmes, new iPlayer content and news bulletins for children

Every local radio station will also join up with local volunteer groups to help co-ordinate support for the elderly, housebound or at-risk.