Does having a BBC1 controller who made shows like "Snog, Marry, Avoid" and other lesser known BBC3 shows (as opposed to "Being Human" for example) put the kibosh on thinking of BBC1 as a mainstream outlet? Is BBC1 in danger of becoming a minority channel?
Not necessarily. When they were controller of BBC3 they made programs they thought would appeal to the BBC3 demographic. I'm sure as BBC1 controller they'll comission shows they think will appeal to a mainstream audience.
True, but the problem with mainstream audiences is that they get old and die; it is why the mainstream radio stations periodically revamp their disc jockeys an playlists - every so often Radio 1 becomes reborn as Radio 2. The reason that BBC3 exists is to wean a future audience for BBC1. So it would not surprise me to see BBC1 more aggressively chasing a younger audience, and no doubt that is part of the thinking behind Cohen's appointment.
To be fair to Danny Cohen, he did commission The Inbetweeners whilst he was at E4...
What he's done at BBC Three over the last 3 years may be (brutishly) described as polishing a turd, but there has been some attempt to improve the range and quality of programming. This has not, perhaps, borne much fruit in the comedy branch, but there have been a few better efforts in drama and documentary.
BBC Three is what it is. I very much doubt Mr Cohen's experience in running that channel will much affect his plans for comedy (or any other genre) on BBC One.
yeah I'm pretty sure comedy wise it will be mainstream bankable comedy.
i can't see bbc1 showing anything other than programmes for the sort of crowd that like xfactor, strictly come dancing etc.
bbc3 should be for developing new talent and new shows, I guess aimed at a younger audience.
maybe there was a lack of good programmes and budget for bbc3 duting his time?
I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but actually I think BBC Three's programming budget increased during Danny Cohen's tenure.
does anyone know who is replacing him at bbc3?
They'll have a beauty contest at Oxford?
Are they still giving out channels to Oxbridge graduates then?
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 18 2010, 4:17 PM BSTI'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong
I like correcting you even when you're right. It's why the BCG was built.
