BBC Asian Network's controller Bob Shennan is planning to make major announcements this Thursday on the future of the digital radio station, AIM magazine has learnt.

Some staff told AIM magazine he will unveil a five year plan for the station. However, others say he will simply relay director-general Mark Thompson's plans for cuts across the BBC.

There are rumours circulating amongst staff that schedule changes may also be made.

One source said in particular the late morning show, hosted by Nihal from 9am to 12pm, was suffering from low listenership figures and may be moved around.

However, other sources within Asian Network deny that Nihal's show is suffering from low audiences. AIM magazine has been informed it has the second highest listenership figures of all shows, next to Adil Ray's Drivetime show.

There are other rumours that station editor Vijay Sharma may go. One source said: "Some people are saying she may leave, but I don't know if that's them hoping or whether it's true."

A private survey of key staff by AIM magazine indicates that the station editor, who was controller before Bob Shennan, has little support within the BBC Asian Network.

One said: "She [Vijay Sharma] belongs to a different era. She led the station in its earlier days but now its a different beast. It needs fresh blood and fresh thinking."

Some have speculated that all London operations may be moved to Birmingham. Currently the station produces Nihal's show and the weekend's Love Bollywood programme from London.

Mark Thompson may unveil up to 2,800 job cuts across the corporation. He is reported to be submitting them to the BBC Trust today. The plans will be unveiled tomorrow.

It is thought to be unlikely that Asian Network will shed many jobs. It is seen as a key cornerstone to its policy of serving British Asians license-fee payers.

An Asian Network spokesperson denied that far-reaching changes will be announced by Bob Shennan tomorrow. The briefing would be held to talk about internal staff cuts at the BBC. It is thought the corporation's Radio division is unlikely to face much cost-cutting.

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Last updated 8pm, 17th October