The Stage

BBC plans for future

Published Wednesday 30 June 2004 at 11:15 by Jeremy Austin

BBC governors have pledged to “continue the revival of drama on TV and radio” with a special commitment to single dramas, film and comedy in the Corporation’s manifesto, published before the conclusion of its charter bid.

Launched this week, the manifesto is the Corporation’s attempt to lobby the government on the renewal of its charter in 2006 through the setting out of its aims and intentions in what it calls “a modern, diverse and fully digital Britain over the next decade”.

Central to its ideology is the strengthening of the relationship between the broadcaster and its audience with greater accountability. It also calls for further separation of the governors and management and an independent, apolitical body to set the licence fee - although it stops short of suggesting any price-fixing mechanisms.

But by far of the most interest to those involved with the Corporation’s creative output is the manifesto commitment to making six to eight feature films a year, to continue the drama revival and to “develop comedy as a unique BBC strength with more investment”. BBC4 is to receive more investment and culture will be given a more prominent place on BBC1 and BBC2 - a reaction to criticism that the cultural commitment it is required to provide has not been met. There is also a pledge to “eliminate derivative and cynical programmes”.

Director-general Mark Thompson said: “We can help build an infrastructure but digital Britain will only come to life if it also becomes a creative space in which the best ideas and the best talent can meet audiences who are hungry for originality and quality. In the end, the future will not be about pathways and platforms but about content. Universally available, outstanding, distinctive content has always been and remains the point of the BBC.

“Creating a fully digital Britain is a public challenge the BBC must help to lead. It is a Britain from which the BBC and only the BBC can ensure no one is excluded. It is a Britain where investment in British talent and British voices and the widest range of British content will be more important - and more at risk - than ever.”

The manifesto also responds to fears that the television industry is abandoning the regions with a commitment to investing £1billion outside London in the next ten years, to move a fifth of commissioning by value to other parts of Britain and to build in Manchester the largest broadcast centre outside London. A new region is also to be created in Milton Keynes. There will not, however, be any more digital channels created.

Chairman Michael Grade added: “The status quo is not an option. Our task over the next year is to convince the British public that the BBC’s role in the new digital age of plenty is both justified and necessary. I want a BBC that delivers wonderful programmes that offer something of value to everyone. And, more than that, a BBC that builds public value.”