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Should we axe BBC Three and Four?

Latest: BBC Three to be axed from on air (Page 13) (November 2013)

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CH
chris
Former BBC boss suggests running two channels is better than four. http://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/nov/08/bbc-head-axing-bbc3-4-mosey-tv-licence?CMP=twt_gu

The problem in my opinion is whilst I can't see BBC Three being missed, you would have to rename BBC Four if you axe Three, potentially damaging its brand position.
:-(
A former member
Why not Axe four and put said programmes BACK on BBC two and then move all the lightweight stuff to BBC three?
MK
Mr Kite
It's BBC Two really that doesn't have a proper niche anymore, in my opinion. BBC Three and BBC Four took a lot off of its traditional remit. I do think there is too many channels on the whole though, not just with respect to the BBC. I'd prefer a higher quality threshold for broadcasting licenses. That said, it'd be very difficult to convince the general population that less is more.
JO
Jon
chris posted:

The problem in my opinion is whilst I can't see BBC Three being missed, you would have to rename BBC Four if you axe Three, potentially damaging its brand position.

I'm not sure you can use that argument as the only justification of BBC Three.
MD
mdtauk
Clearer definitions between channels, and both BBC Three and Four should go full time, with archived content.

BBC One
Mainstream general entertainment, lifestyle, news and drama.
Ages 25-75

BBC Two
Alternative drama, edgy and controversial comedy and factual.
Ages 18-55

BBC Three
Contemporary drama, comedy, entertainment, and social.
Ages 12-30

BBC Four
Arts, factual, archive, contemplative, International showcase.
Ages 30-80

CBeebies
Pre-school, educational programmes, parental support segments.
Ages 0-5

CBBC
Primary and Secondary school programmes. Drama, animation, social, youth issues.
Ages 5-15

BBC Parliament
Political, Ceremonial, State occasions, elections, archive, informative, world events.

BBC News Channel
Rolling News, News round ups, commentary on current affairs, interviews, world events.
:-(
A former member
CBBC no longer deals with 12-15 years?
GO
gottago
Clearer definitions between channels, and both BBC Three and Four should go full time, with archived content.

BBC One
Mainstream general entertainment, lifestyle, news and drama.
Ages 25-75

BBC Two
Alternative drama, edgy and controversial comedy and factual.
Ages 18-55

BBC Three
Contemporary drama, comedy, entertainment, and social.
Ages 12-30

BBC Four
Arts, factual, archive, contemplative, International showcase.
Ages 30-80

CBeebies
Pre-school, educational programmes, parental support segments.
Ages 0-5

CBBC
Primary and Secondary school programmes. Drama, animation, social, youth issues.
Ages 5-15

BBC Parliament
Political, Ceremonial, State occasions, elections, archive, informative, world events.

BBC News Channel
Rolling News, News round ups, commentary on current affairs, interviews, world events.

Are over 80s only able to watch BBC News and BBC Parliament?

And there's really no need for BBC Three and Four to go full time.
BR
Brekkie
No - and certainly not to part fund commercial channels. There is stuff online and on radio that should go before BBC3 and BBC4.
JO
Jon
There is stuff online and on radio that should go before BBC3 and BBC4.

Go on then....
MD
mdtauk
CBBC no longer deals with 12-15 years?

I am suggesting they should. The types of programmes would stagger. School and Educational during the day. And content appeals to older people as the day goes on. Evening shows will be dramas about drugs and gangs etc aimed at the early teens.
JO
Jon
Evening shows will be dramas about drugs and gangs etc aimed at the early teens.

That sounds like something someone would suggest without giving it any thought on the basis it sounds worthy.


There is only so much programming you could make covering such social issues for a start. BBC Three does deal with issues effecting the target audience in a variety of different ways. But if someone just said they've got to create dramas about gangs and drugs, it would feel a bit patronising and wouldn't appeal to the audience at all.
MD
mdtauk
BBC Three in my view is for 15 - 18+ content.

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