BBC TV chief Danny Cohen has said that the public doesn’t want a “market failure” corporation that is only permitted to make niche programmes to “fill the gaps” left by rival broadcasters.
Cohen, making a pre-emptive strike against culture secretary John Whittingdale’s review of the size of the corporation, said the viewers love programming diversity.
“I believe we need a strong BBC that offers a wide range of British-made programmes – dramas, documentaries, news and entertainment,” said Cohen, in a comment piece in the Radio Times.
“I don’t believe the public want a ‘market failure’ BBC that fills the gaps by only making the kind of niche television that commercial TV simply won’t make. They want a BBC that can compete with the very best the world has to offer, driving up standards and delivering for them night after night.”
Last month, Whittingdale announced a fundamental review of the size and scope of the BBC, inclduing questioning whether it should continue to strive to be “all things to all people”.
Whittingdale’s comment fits with the view of some critics and commercial rivals who have called for the BBC to have a “market failure” remit, meaning fewer entertainment shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and The Voice.
Cohen argued that without a strong BBC UK television could end out become too populated with US imports, and that the British public “doesn’t want everything in box form”.
He pointed to the fact that the BBC1 schedule has no US programmes in prime time; 20 years ago this figure was 20%, yet the channel is responsible for some of the biggest hits on TV.
“UK viewers can relish US shows while at the same time cherishing what has made UK television different,” he said. “The UK public … love the variety and cultural richness of British-made television. Our viewers also tell us that they appreciate the range of stories we tell. Long series, short series and high-impact single dramas all play a critical role in this. The public doesn’t want everything in box-set form.”.
Cohen said the corporation is a cultural “crown jewel” and should be viewed as intrinsically linked to the international success of British-made TV.
“The BBC is one of the crown jewels of British public and cultural life,” he said. “It unifies the UK, drives the creative industries and provides stimulation, entertainment and companionship for vast numbers every day.
“I want a vibrant, competitive British TV sector that showcases British production companies, designers, writers and actors and boosts our economy and standing in the world.”
