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BBC
promises more high-impact, memorable programming in the next year
BBC
Statements of Programme Policy 2003/2004 are available online
A new arts strategy
and more high quality current affairs programming are part of the
BBC's plans to provide licence fee payers with more high-impact,
memorable programmes, outlined in this year's Statements of Programme
Policy (SoPPs) published today.
BBC
TWO will broaden its range of genres in peaktime, including more
arts, politics and current affairs, which will mean less reliance
on lifestyle programmes.
The
BBC's main television channels BBC ONE and BBC TWO will also work
closer to avoid schedule clashes with similar programming on at
the same time.
The
BBC's innovation in interactive television will also continue, with
increased investment.
The
reinvigoration of arts and documentaries will see two new regular
strands launched on BBC ONE and there will be two new politics series
on BBC TWO.
Radio
4 will be the biggest commissioner of new writing in the UK, with
386 new plays and short stories, and a range of UK-wide initiatives,
including Voices, will build and strengthen connections with communities.
The
rejuvenation of TV output on religion and ethics will also continue.
This
year's Statements outline the main objective set by the BBC Governors,
including: 'To underpin the BBC's public service remit by extending
the range and quality of its radio and television services, with
a focus on broadcasting more high-impact, memorable programmes,
particularly arts and current affairs.'
The Chairman
of the BBC, Gavyn Davies, says: "The BBC continues to provide
everyone in the UK with something unique. Nowhere else can viewers
and listeners find the range, ambition and quality of the services
described in the Statements.
"Nevertheless,
the BBC needs to make further progress, especially in the areas
of arts and current affairs. We believe that a further improvement
in quality and distinctiveness can be achieved."
Mr Davies says
that the Statements defy sceptics by showing the BBC's public service
role is as vital and vibrant as ever, providing something of immense
value to all licence payers.
In line with
the BBC Governors' drive for greater accountability, the BBC's Statements
go further than is required in regulatory terms and include plans
for radio and online services as well as for television.
BBC Director-General
Greg Dyke says: "The BBC broadcasts around 40 hours of programming
every hour; the majority of which is completely new. So we are in
the business of taking creative risks to deliver public service
benefits. Not all the risks we take will be popular and some of
them won't pay off. But we have to try."
He
adds: "We have asked BBC ONE and BBC TWO to work closer together
to plan their schedules so that we can, where possible, avoid both
channels running programming of the same genre at the same time.
"BBC
TWO will also be changing its programme mix in peaktime by reducing
its reliance on lifestyle programmes, without, of course, doing
away with this type of programming altogether.
"It
makes sense that some of the Statements are similar to last year's.
We know that most BBC services are performing well because audience
research tells us so.
"The
difference for audiences this year is more channels, with the completion
of our digital service launches, and new programming.
"We
know people expect more of the BBC than of other broadcasters. These
Statements set out what we'll be judged on and we believe our plans
measure up to those expectations."
BBC
Statements of Programme Policy 2003/2004
Notes
for Editors
• This
is the second year the BBC has published Statements on its plans
for what it provides for licence fee payers in 2003-2004 and explains
how each public service will deliver its priorities.
• The
Statements are required under the new regulatory framework and will
be provided by all the UK's public service broadcasters. However,
in line with the BBC Governors' drive for greater accountability,
the BBC's Statements go further than is required in regulatory terms
and include plans for radio and online services as well as for television.
• The
Statements are based on the objectives set by the BBC Governors
for the year ahead. The Governors monitor these objectives closely
over the year, supported by an independent team in the BBC's Governance
and Accountability department.
•
The BBC Governors will report on performance against the Statements
of Programme Policy 2002-2003 in the BBC Annual Report published
in July 2003.
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