Governors sceptical about two new BBC channels
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Plans by the BBC to shake up its television output by adding at least two new channels are likely to meet some resistance from MPs and critics.
Plans by the BBC to shake up its television output by adding at least two new channels are likely to meet some resistance from MPs and critics.
The BBC Board of Governors have inspected plans for an extensive overhaul of the BBC's television channels and have decided that "a lot more work should be done" before they can go ahead, a BBC spokeswoman said yesterday. The plans will come before the governors again in the autumn. They will also be subject to approval by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
The proposals include repositioning BBC 1 as a popular and entertainment channel, with more serious programmes on BBC2. A new BBC 3 would concentrate on news and entertainment, with arts, politics and science on a new BBC 4.
The spokeswoman said: "Anything radical would have to be approved by the governors and have the support of the Secretary of State. They would also need to be put forward for public consultation."
Chris Smith, the Secretary of State for Culture, has expressed anger that the BBC had not consulted him over plans to develop the new "genre-based" channels.
The Culture Select Committee at the House of Commons said last week that the BBC could lose the licence fee if it moved too far from its "mixed schedule" channels.
The plans were outlined recently by Mark Thompson, director of television. More details are expected to be revealed by Greg Dyke, the director general, when he gives the MacTaggart lectures at the Edinburgh Television Festival later this month.
A BBC insider said yesterday that Mr Smith was already being "informally" consulted on the new ideas.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments