SSP TV Blog: The BBC cuts – what difference will it make?

 

This is probably thanks to comedy being lumped in with drama as one of the five pillars that BBC are supposed to be focusing on. 

 

The interesting thing is that while comedy seems to have escaped largely unscathed, the report gives channel controllers a free hand in how to define statements about their different domains. But as One and Three are already embarking on substantial comedy renewal, this will surely just mean the continuation of current plans.

 

We have a spin around the different channels to see what it might mean.

 

“BBC One will maintain its existing strategy in UK drama and comedy...[there will be] a small reduction in the number of new factual, comedy or entertainment programmes or feature films broadcast after the 10 o’clock news”

 

The report on BBC One seems to largely be concluding, 'keep up the good work', which in comedy terms seems fair enough. Following Sky and Channel 4's lead in a massive creative renewal in British comedy, controller Danny Cohen is commissioning pilots to find some replacements for the succession of lacklustre evening comedies that the channel's comedy output has become synonymous with. So...this was already happening.

 

A later comment in the report about the reduction of post-10 O'Clock News shows also seems unlikely to have much of an effect. It would affect Live at the Apollo (easily shuntable to earlier in the schedules, seeing as it still gets decent ratings), and the odd show like Ask Rhod Gilbert. Otherwise the channel is already starting to show repeats in this time slot. So...this was already happening. 

 

“There will be a reduction in comedy entertainment on the channel...[and an] increased investment in scripted comedy”

 

While David Mitchell and other serial panel show guests may sob at this news, it's hard to disagree with the fact that comedy panel shows have gotten stale as a mainstream format. For the few people who do still want new ones, Dave has started commissioning shows such as Argumental – and the number of panel shows on BBC Two were already thinning out anyway. So...this was already happening.

 

While comedy entertainment is getting dialled down, it's been largely overlooked today that scripted comedy is due to get more investment – and when the channel has Grandma's House, Rab C Nesbitt and not much else to offer, this is good news. Surprise! This wasn't already happening.

 

“BBC Three will have a more explicit remit to develop talent and formats for that channel”

 

The sections on BBC Three are much the same as for the One – keep up the current work. Controller Zai Bennett has already axed pretty much every long-running show on the channel, from Two Pints to Ideal, freeing up funds for several new shows and pilots. So...this was already happening.

 

“BBC Four's highly valued role...will be protected, as will its distinctive contribution to UK  comedy...BBC Four will also continue its role as gateway to the BBC's television archive, curating the best drama and comedy from the past.”

 

So BBC Four's distinctive comedy contribution, including shows like Getting On and the Thick Of It, has saved it from having to make changes. So...this was already happening.

 

The one change it does point to is dialling up the channel's role as a curator of old drama and comedy, something it does sparingly so far. It's hard to see the channel re-running old series wholesale – there are revenues on Dave and G.O.L.D. to consider – but...maybe something will change here.