The Stage

BBC to enlarge credits after complaints about new format

Published Wednesday 30 January 2008 at 16:20 by Matthew Hemley

Credits on BBC shows are to be enlarged following complaints that a new format rolled out last year makes it difficult to read the names of actors and production staff who have worked on a programme.

The new system introduced by the BBC reduces credits to a small box in the corner of the screen in order to accommodate promotional messages.

But hundreds of people complained to the BBC via a petition, which called on the Corporation to end the new policy and give proper credit to the people who have worked on a show.

Unions Equity and Bectu also approached the BBC, claiming the reduction in credit size could make it hard for actors and production staff to get work in the future, because they rely on credits to build their reputations.

This week the BBC said it would be looking to enlarge the credits following feedback from audiences.

A BBC spokesman said: “End credits are commonly used throughout the broadcast industry as a means of giving viewers the information they are searching for at that moment. The new end credit format was rolled out last year and we have been canvassing feedback since then. Some people have said the font is too small to read and we are currently looking to enlarge it.”