BBC to shake up comedy output on BBC2 and BBC4
The BBC's strategy review, released today, is hitting headlines as it would appear digital radio station BBC 6 Music faces closure. Meanwhile BBC Two will broadcast more comedy, but BBC Four will reduce its entertainment output.
6 Music is of note to comedy fans as many of its weekend shows are hosted by comedians. The station's current line-up includes Collins and Herring, Jon Richardson (pictured), and The Now Show's Jon Holmes, with previous presenters including Russell Brand, Phill Jupitus, Dave Gorman and the very popular Adam & Joe. The station also provides airtime to many comic guests, however the corporation's strategic review, which has the aim to cutting costs and increasing quality, suggests the station will close in 2012 along with BBC Asian Network.
The BBC review also sets out that one of the corporation's five key editorial priorities going forward should be to develop "ambitious UK drama and comedy" on TV. BBC Two has been singled out as a home for more comedy, but there will be a cut in the amount of entertainment on its digital sister channel, BBC Four.
The report outlines that BBC2 will be given a £25m budget boost by 2013 to help it provide more "intelligent and ambitious drama, comedy and factual programming". Specifically the channel must "establish a stronger and more distinctive role in comedy, supporting the cult classics of the future as well as new comedy with the potential to become the mainstream hits of tomorrow." BBC management also wants the channel to become "a thoughtful showcase for the best of the television archive".
However, whilst the number of comedy programmes on BBC Two will be increased, BBC Four will see a reduction in its entertainment and comedy output. The digital channel has previously created hit series including The Thick Of It and Lead Balloon (pictured), both of which have now transferred to terrestrial, however going forward it appears the channel will no longer be used as a test bed for intelligent and 'obscure' new comedy series, leaving its current comedic output, including gameshow We Need Answers, under threat of being axed. However, it is believed Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe, which is a big hit for BBC Four, is definitely 'safe'.
The BBC says: "The distinct roles of the two channels will be better defined but they will continue to operate in a complementary way - resulting in a stronger, combined contribution."
It should be noted that no changes are due to happen immediately as the strategy review has now been submitted to the BBC Trust for review and must be subject to a public consultation period too.
BBC1 and BBC3 are largely unaffected by the review. The report says the flagship channel should "strive even harder for originality and excellence", whilst noting that BBC3 has "built a reputation for innovation and originality" and has recently "learned how to be bold and challenging with programmes that engage young audiences while remaining true to the BBC's values of high quality and distinctiveness".