BBC urged to slash 'red button' costs

It said the interactive service should concentrate on its most successful areas such as news text as well as live sport and music coverage.

More than half the annual 39.3m spent on the red button goes on distribution costs across different platforms.

The Trust review said it was the most used interactive service in the UK, accessed by more than 12 million people each week with a weekly cost per use of 6.4p

But it said costs needed to come down – and audience appreciation could improve.

The Trust suggested costs could be cut by more of a consistent service across all digital platforms, rather than tailor-made services for each. It should also concentrate on its strengths, rather than aiming to tackle all genres.

The review pointed out that the digital text service with its news, weather and sport updates drew most visitors.

And coverage of live events, such as Glastonbury, Formula 1 and the Olympics were also a hit with viewers.