That's the answer I might expect from someone in the late teens early twenties who doesn't really get past the mainstream because that's really all they watch. There are millions of viewers and listeners across the world who wouldn't go near any of your favoured programmes. The BBC caters for all tastes and age groups. Not just the mainstream. There are plenty of programmes the BBC does that I would never watch or listen to because they aren't aimed at me. But they are aimed at someone. And no adverts.! Remember that British TV is considered the envy of the World. That isn't because ITV or SKY exist.
Wait, Dave is a BBC Channel? The argument I've heard in relation to the BBC, is as a publicly funded TV channel, there are some things which they shouldn't cover because commercial channels (e.g. ITV) do them so it could be seen as a waste of money. For example, talent shows as obviously there's Britian's Got Talent and the X-Factor on ITV, and the Jump and so on. Therefore, some would argue the BBC shouldn't waste money on the Voice because even though it entertains people (though I think it's annoying, the stupid danncing female judges, the fact that it's all about the judges and not the contestants and the fact that the battle round is basically who can shout the loudest) other commercial channels do talent shows just as well, if not better. Thus rather than trying to cover everything, the BBC should use their position as a publicly funded broadcaster to maximise their strengths and focus on what they can do really well (for example drama and stuff) and leave certain aspects of commercial broadcasters like ITV. Not Sky though, as they should be available for free. That would benefit both the BBC and ITV I think: for the latter, they would acquire a range of popular, entertaining shows. increasing their viewing figures and commercial income. Meanwhile the BBC can focus on produce high quality programes, the British equivalents of the likes of Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, etc. Apart from Doctor Who, Sherlock and Merlin (which has now finished) do any British series have the global appeal of the American series I've mentioned?
It's owned by UKTV, which is a partnership of BBC Worldwide and Scripps Networks Interactive. So, yes, it's essentially a BBC channel.
You've managed to miss the point again PL. It's not about ratings or popularity. It's about catering for everyone. That means people who aren't you. I've just finished watching a documentary about the West Indies during the Napoleonic Wars. It was thoroughly absorbing and academic. I've just counted how many more I could watch without even searching. About a dozen and a half. That's about 5 years output on a commercial station and they wouldn't be done with anything like the depth or expertise.
Hey, don't shoot the messenger, I'm just telling you what the main argument against the BBC from what I've seen. I'm not saying I necessarily agree with that. Playing Devil's advocate if you will. Though from what I've seen the argument is that BBC should focus more on documentaries and high-quality drama, while ditching the stuff like reality TV, quizes, etc.
They could indeed ditch the stuff like reality TV, quizzes, etc.. This argument about the BBC's remit has been gone over several times in the past. Usually, whenever there is a Tory goverment in place. I think Ted Heath was the first Cons PM [wrong, it was Anthony Eden] to make noises, so don't think this is anything new. Usually though, the Tory governments listened to the people at the time, who were more politically aware. These days, 1] they don't listen, and 2] I'm not sure people are that bothered to lose what has been so dearly defended in the past.
Well I do think we should have a honest, mature and rational debate about the remit of the BBC, neither a staunchly 'don't touch the Beeb' or 'cut the Beeb to pieces' position is remotely helpful or sensible. But rationality is something there is a dearth of in politics
I have sometimes watched similarly interesting sounding programmes on other channels and end up being infuriated because they have decided their target audience is seriously thick. They repeat everything after each commercial break in case you have the attention span of a ******ed goldfish. You might as well just watch the trailer as the programme will contain no extra facts. BBC4 knows how to make a documentary.
An excellent point I didn't include, Fran. There have been times when the BBC has got its target audience completely wrong. I can remember the documentary series Space, with screen actor Sam Neill, for example. It was hopeless. Total drivel, during a time when the BBC was trying to imitate ITV by putting popular docs on BBC1. It didn't work. Mainstream viewers didn't go near it and BBC2 viewers were offended by its crass stupidity. It completely lacked substance. I remember one of its more technical descriptions of a black hole as space gone mad. It was a joke worthy of ITV. It even had ITV's trick of getting a celebrity to present it rather than an interesting and far more informative expert. Thankfully, today we have BBC2 AND BBC4, so we an abundance of riches.
I thought it was okay, although I was quite young at the time so maybe that's why. Maybe it's just cause of the flashy graphics, I remember them being fairly flashy.
Is that what it is? Blimey. I'll check my bill. I had it free year 1, £2/month year 2, but not sure how much this year. It's all in with my phone and Internet bill.
I don't have BT net or phone so pay a bit more. I have been looking to get it for a while tho and with them looking like they will win the Spanish league rights as well. They are looking betting then Sky Football atm.
Sat on the runway awaiting the 12 hour flight to Mauritius to be my home for the next 2 weeks........OMG it's 9758 miles away Hopefully wifi works in hotel ok so I can keep up to date.
