The problem with BBC1 is for every "Himalaya", they have a "Should I Worry About Sausages?".
Actually I thought the "Should I worry about...." series was excellent. I didn't see the sausages episode but "mobile phones" and "water" were well presented pieces. There is definitely a role for such consumer TV on BBC One in the early evening slot (and indeed a strong tradition with shows like Watchdog and Rogue Traders).
Beats Emmerdale, Corrination Street and the Bill as a rather uncreative primetime lineup.
I think BBC One's recent schedule has been as creative as its ever been- with the likes of the Natural History of Britain, HImalaya and the upcoming Space Odyssey (in factual), Hustle, Spooks and the upcoming dark comic-drama Blackpool (in drama), continued outstanding news coverage and the upcoming Ten Interactive and unbeatable coverage of the Olympics and Euro 2004. To name but a few examples.
The problem with BBC1 is for every "Himalaya", they have a "Should I Worry About Sausages?".
Agree BBC3 has some gems, but I think the concern is not so much viewers of digital TV don't get quality from BBC3, but more that the programme makers don't get the audience they deserve.
Yes - it is interesting to see whether the audience that "found" BBC Three for Little Britain (giving it a 2million viewer overnight?) - and also watched other Three stuff last week (the Band Aid documentary got around half a million?) stay around for other shows.
Personally, I think one of the main problems the channel has is the amazingly high repeat rate. Body Hits, Who Rules the Roost, Little Angels etc. all seem to be on permanently. Flashmob the Opera was great live TV - but how many times has it been repeated now???
I don't see the value at all of the 7 o'clock News. 60 Seconds is a worthy addition, and I think a 15 minute Newsbeat style bulletin at 11pm would be much more of a public service.
I think BBC3 and BBC4 would actually attract better audiences if they acted more like ITV2, repeating programmes screened on BBC1 & 2.
BBC1 and 2 seem very stale now all experimental comedy and drama is stuck on BBC3. It be much more of a service for BBC3 to offer another chance to see new programming from BBC1/2, than the other way round. However, I do think the strategy of premiering the next episode on BBC3/4 immediately after it airs on BBC1/2 works well.
BBC4 is more difficult. Alot of it's content could bolster BBC2 - especially between 6 and 8pm and after Newsnight.
Again, repeating documentaries from BBC1/2 would be a good idea - shows like Panorama, One Life and This World. Also, the showing a British film every weeknight at 9pm could bring in viewers - and help the BBC improve it's commitment to British movies.
When BBC 3 launched they showed the next episode of Eastenders a day early. I love this idea. It means that digital viewers are "rewarded" for their subscription. Terrestrial viewers still get to see it on BBC1 as usual. Also, what happened to the Eastenders omnibus repeat on Saturday on BBC3? I really miss that, as I go to church and often miss the omnibus on a Sunday. BBC Choice was a fantastic channel. Why didn't they just rebrand it as BBC 3 without removing most of the decent programming? I love Little Britain, Little Angels etc. I also think 60 Seconds is brilliant. I am 30 and target age for BBC3. My daughter is 4 1/2. I agree that most of the target audience for BBC3 also have children who watch CBBC or CBeebies. My daughter loves CBeebies and bedtime hour is one of her favourites.
I also think that a repeat of Watchdog on BBC3 would be useful, and also Crimewatch updates on the evening of Crimewatch, for those who may be tuned into BBC3. Just a thought. BBC Bore- I mean 4- is dross. I have a degree, so I'm not thick, but I really hate the channel. perhaps it should be pay-per-view for those bores who have nothing better to do! Also period dramas may be good. Why not make BBC4 a place dedicated to BBC period dramas like Pride and Prejudice, and North and South. It brings culture, sociology and intellectual pursuits into one place,with the added bonus of being half decent programming. There you go...BBC Drama. Or is UK Drama where tax payers money goes instead? Just a thought
When BBC 3 launched they showed the next episode of Eastenders a day early. I love this idea. It means that digital viewers are "rewarded" for their subscription.
Err - nobody "subscribes" to BBC Three...
It is free on all platforms. There is no subscription required to receive the BBC on Freeview or Satellite (you don't need a Sky subscription, or even a Sky receiver to receive the BBC satellite transmissions - though a Sky box gives you the full TV Guide and EPG stuff)
The only platform where a subscription IS required is Digital Cable - but the BBC don't charge the cable companies to carry their services, nor do they receive any money for carriage in the UK (though they do in Europe)
