The BBC's Asian Programmes Unit has been spared the chop, AIM magazine has learnt from sources within the corporation.

There were talks to close down the APU as part of a drive to save costs from across the BBC. Senior executives had been discussing the pros and cons of such a move.

But an informed source told AIM magazine that the unit will not yet face being disbanded and executive producer Gurdip Bhangoo will remain at its helm.

It will continue to hire staff depending on how many programmes it is has been commissioned to work on.

The flagship Asian arts and entertainment series Desi DNA will continue to be made. This year it also produced several programmes to celebrate the 60th independence anniversary of India and Pakistan.

The APU was launched in 1987. IT is unique because there are no specific programme units dedicated to other ethnic minority groups.

Its supporters say that it is a necessary part of the BBC to breed new talent and push programming that is usually overlooked by other parts of the corporation.

Most well known Asian presenters today across the Beeb cut their teeth at the unit at one time including: Sanjeev Bhaskar (his television debut), Krishnan Guru Murthy, Shyama Perreira, Sudha Bhuchar, Raj Dhanda, Karan Kapoor, Mo Dutta, Rajesh Mirchandani, Anita Rani, Amanda Hussein, Sanjeev Kohli, Sonia Deol, Russell Peters and even Laila Rouass.

Its opponents say the unit exists only so the rest of the corporation can avoid putting in the necessary committment to serve diverse audiences.

The source added: "The ring-fenced funding will remain till 07/08."

However, there are lingering doubts over whether that committment will remain past next year.