New BBC Trust Outlines Channel Aims and Objectives
The BBC Trust - replacement body for the BBC Board of Governors - have released the first drafts of a series of Service Licences. The TV related service licences have been published on the BBC Trust website. Each TV, radio or on-line channel operated by the BBC will have a document stating the channel's aims and objectives. A formal review process will make certain that future changes continue to reflect the BBC's public service ethos.
All Channels
Expected to "exhibit some or all of the following characteristics: high quality, original, challenging, innovative and engaging, and [nurturing] UK talent."
BBC 1
Should "deliver its remit through high quality programmes with wide appeal across all genres". It should also "be the BBC's main platform for television drama and, especially in peaktime, drama should be one of the biggest creators of BBC's One's impact with its audience."
BBC 2
Should "deliver its remit with factual programming that broadens horizons.". Its comedy output "should offer established talent the opportunity to experiment and its drama should be characterised by strong authorship and individual voices."
BBC 3
Should broadcast "a high proportion of original UK-produced content across a range of genres, and by taking creative risks and experimenting with new talent and new ideas, in particular in the area of UK comedy." It should work to increase the appeal of BBC1 and BBC2 with younger audiences, with complementary content. None of its commitments should be allowed to get in the away of BBC1 and BBC2 to appeal to young people, and any of its programmes should be made available to the major channels to enhance their appeal.
BBC 4
Should offer "a broad range of culturally enriching and innovative programming", with an emphasis on global news and current affairs. It should also "offer a significant proportion of originally commissioned, UK originated programming, nurture new presenting talent and experiment with new comedy."
Full detailed report in The Stage