BBC1 vows to halve repeats by 2009
The BBC has stepped up its commitment to get more new shows on to BBC1 in peak time, pledging to halve the number of repeats on the channel by 2009.
Figures released in today’s annual report show that the number of repeats broadcast on the station dropped from 9.7% in 2004/5 to 8.9% in 2005/6. This move is in line with targets set out after the board of governors held a consultation with the public.
However now the board have said that this figure must drop even further by 2009 and to take more risks with programming and cut back on shows that have exceeded their shelf life.
The report said: “The BBC’s distinctiveness from the commercial sector must be evident in a willingness to take creative risks - even if that means the inevitable occasional failure. But it also requires the confidence to end successful programmes that have reached the end of their natural creative life, to create space for the next round of innovation.”
In recent weeks there have been swingeing cuts on stalwart shows such as Top of the Pops and They Think It’s All Over. The Vicar of Dibley is another favourite that will not return after a Christmas special this year.
Also from The Stage
- BBC agrees trial over multichannel repeat fees
- TV agents join forces to insist on repeat fees for presenters
- Redman blasts Equity over cable repeat fees, blaming open shop policy
- Cable repeat fees criminally low, claims Briers
- Final service for Vicar of Dibley
- Top of the Pops dropped after 42 years
- It’s All Over for BBC comedy sports quiz
- Features: The swap shop - repeat programming rights and new products
To contact the Stage news team email newsdesk@thestage.co.uk or call 020 7403 1818, selecting option 2 (editorial) followed by option 1 (newsdesk).
If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".
Follow The Stage on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest entertainment industry news to your desktop or mobile.
Latest news
- Tom Ellis to appear as part of BBC1’s The Preston Passion
- Tom Ellis and Christine Bottomley are among the actors being lined up to appear in three new dramas being made as…
- Doctor Who star Matt Smith made patron of Royal Court Young Writers Festival
- Matt Smith has been appointed as patron of the Royal Court’s Young Writers Festival.
- Christopher Eccleston joins NT Antigone
- Christopher Eccleston has been cast in the National Theatre’s forthcoming production of Antigone.
- Dirty Dancing musical extends UK tour
- Dirty Dancing is to extend its UK tour into the summer of 2013, with producers announcing five more dates.
- King’s Cross Award for New Writing winner announced
- Rob Johnston has won the King’s Cross Award for New Writing 2011.
- ITV to expand characters’ storylines online
- ITV is to expand on the storylines of characters in Emmerdale, by creating content that can only be accessed online.
Content is copyright © 2012 The Stage Media Company Limited unless otherwise stated.
All RSS feeds are published for personal, non-commercial use. (What’s RSS?)