CRISIS! Low Viewing Figures for BBC1

And the point I was going to make, but you both got here first.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Well it's a convenient argument that seems to suit the corporation as well when it feels like it. All too happy to take the credit when ratings are high with their mass appeal commercial programming, but citing the reason for low ratings as fulfilling their public service remit.

I don't think they could argue that Mad About Alice serves any public service remit; although i'm prepared to entertain the notion that it is *possibly* enjoyed by the profoundly deaf-blind.

I'm not so sure thats right. Obviously it can be said in some cases - but the primetime programming this week looked awful. Wednesday particularly.

'The Perfect Holiday' - Terrible, chronic programme.
'The Food Police' - Fiona Bruce's v/o was way ott. Cream crackers being stored near poultry? NO! Telly doesn't get more dull or achieve less than this did.
'Animal Camera' - Strangely watered down wildlife programme.
Then an hour of 'Family Business' - Starring nobody you've ever heard of and being of approximately no interest to anyone.

You can't claim that low figures are justified for these programmes, because they aren't worthy or fulfilling a public service in any way. They are just the result of bad commisioning.

Plus is Open all Hours really the best they can manage on a monday night before Eastenders? I thinkits probably time they pulled out the stops and took a risk or two on something special, like they did with Wogan all those years ago.

The BBC pimetime schedule is becoming really poor! There are programs being scheduled which are more suited to filler slots on a Sunday afternoon and dont represent good value for money for us license fee payers! But i suppose if more of our money is going towards digital tv programing that may be the reason for the poor programs and poor performance of what is being broadcast in primetime!

And it's an all too convienient arguement when ITV/Sky/The Guardian need to stick the knife in on the BBC.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

The BBC could have made more series of popular celebrity based reality shows such as Celebrity Fame Academy if they wanted to chase ratings. Instead they try and innovate with new shows. Not all new shows work, and it seems that more than normal are failing right now - so what, at least they're trying to make some new shows!

yes I agree. While current programmes may be naff at least the variety on BBC1 is more interesting than ITV. ITV evening schedules during the week rely solely on Emmerdale, Corrie and the Bill. Then for a while they have a drama series but that's about it. I think the BBC need to improve on what they already do well. Broadcast a range of varied and interesting programmes. One final point-"Mad About Alice" is bad but not as bad as "Celeb" and "The House That Jack Built" (RIP Adam Faith).