Four Changes for a Stronger BBC
Something needs to change. But are the decision-makers too caught up in the details to see the bigger picture?
I've outlined four areas that need urgent attention. In the short term, these changes might be costly, but in the long run, they could help secure the BBC’s survival.
1. Staggered License Fees: Making the BBC Affordable for All
The current license fee is a blunt instrument that fails to reflect how audiences engage with the BBC. A few weeks ago, former Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer KC proposed a layered fee structure—an idea I fully support, though I think it could go much further.
A tiered system would make the BBC more accessible:
Government Funding for the World Service
Frazer also suggested that the government directly fund the BBC World Service—a great idea. The soft power it projects is invaluable, and removing it from the license fee could make the system more palatable. Even if it’s just robbing Peter to pay Paul, it’s still a start.
This tiered model keeps the BBC affordable, while generating additional revenue to support its future.
2. Unlocking the Archive: A Goldmine for Creativity
The BBC’s archive is one of its most valuable but neglected assets. Decades of news, documentaries, and iconic programming sit unused—hidden from the very people who paid for it.
By opening up the archive for public use in the UK, the BBC could:
This one is tricky. It will seriously upset some archive houses—but let’s be honest, no one is mining this content, and it’s going to waste.
3. A Shortened Program Clock: Modernising the BBC for Global Audiences
BBC programs often run close to 60 minutes, while commercial broadcasters and streamers stick to 44-minute formats, leaving room for adverts. This mismatch hurts the BBC’s ability to sell content internationally.
Switching to a 44-minute format would:
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? Improve Storytelling – Tighter runtimes = sharper pacing and less filler. ? Reduce Costs – Shorter episodes mean lower production expenses. ? Increase Global Appeal – 44-minute programs align with international syndication, reducing costly re-edits.
But What About Scheduling?
Would it mess up traditional TV timings? Not really.
Either way, shorter programs are the future. Whether we like it or not, attention spans are shrinking, and shorter is better.
4. Reimagining BBC4: A Launchpad for Independent Creators
BBC4 has long been a home for niche and thought-provoking programming, but it needs a new mission.
In a previous article, I wrote about how TV is shifting towards private capital-funded content rather than traditional commissioning. But this creates a Catch-22:
So where can producers get their work seen? BBC4.
Why BBC4 Should Become an Acquisition-Only Channel
Transforming BBC4 into a showcase for independently funded content would:
?? Give indie creators a launchpad – Let them prove their content has value. ?? Help producers gain ratings – Essential for securing international sales. ?? Lower financial risk for the BBC – No commissioning on that channel, just acquisitions.
And crucially, BBC4 should be included in the Basic Tier—keeping it widely accessible while supporting new and emerging talent.
So, What Do You Think?
These four simple but bold reforms—staggered fees, unlocking the archive, shortening programs, and reimagining BBC4—could fix a very broken BBC.
They would cut costs, improve programming, and support the creative economy at a time when it desperately needs help.
Is this the future the BBC needs? Let me know your thought
Creative Director at Novel
1 周Great ideas here Ed Sayer - especially like the idea of BBC4 being a home to acquistions (although like a lot of these suggestions, I think it would have weird downstream effects on what got made, but weird doesn't mean bad!). I think something I'd add is the linear schedule is such a millstone on all the BBC free to air channels - something I saw on the audio side the other day is the BBC saying they commission & air 8,000 new things a year (ie 21 new audio commissions air a day) - but the issue is, that's just too much stuff, and there's just not nearly enough money to service it all, and increasingly commissioners are falling back on the prestige of working for the BBC and massively undervaluing programming in the market. One particularly egregious example I saw recently was an RFP we were sent, asking for an 8-part podcast series on a music legend, with video content, where we had to find a high-profile host and get access to a "music legend" to tell their story...for ￡20k. Not ￡20k per ep, ￡20k *all in*. I told them candidly we are making shows like that for 25x the budget for US broadcasters, with no video, and we probably couldn't develop that show, let alone make it, for ￡20k. But it's emblematic of the problem.
Broadcast/VoD Consultant for TV & Film, Writer/Producer (Bob Fosse, Alex Cox, Prince, Sinatra etc), Media/Culture Commentator (BBC Radio, magazines, newspapers) & author (novel The Great One published November 2022)
1 周I think you'll find that Quibi dashed your shorter shows argument. Plus why not something on improving recruitment for top roles, surely we need to do better than he current lot.
Shoot edit | location camera
2 周I'm not looking top down - but from bottom up, the BBC as funded through the license fee has already been considerably disbanded. There really is only news and radio, and engineering infrastucture projects. Local services are an important line of calling to account between government agencies / services (inc NHS) and communities. World service which is has been cut dramatically is important for the UK to maintain it's international platform. Soft power. Radio 1 makes a lot of people's life happier. Most other productions are BBC Studios or commissions to independent production companies and freelancers, so already commercial. I've just taken VR & can't see my future in the organization. A large work force exiting the BBC (via VR) on higher salaries than younger staff (will ever get), on final salary pensions (not available to younger staff), within the next decade. Big pension liability. The BBC has under resourced training for decades (my personal average 21/2 days per year including induction training and non formal training) despite some people's incredible efforts to maintain the BBC's status as an industry leader in this regard. There's some brilliant, & motivated people keeping it afloat - it'll survive but at what cost.
Chief Marketing Officer at Rise Up Talent Global
4 周Hello, good friend! I hope you're doing well. I'm so glad to have you here with me. Since we're in February—a month of celebrating both love and Black history—I wrote a blog post about Black History Month. This post has something for everyone, so don’t miss out! Click the link to explore and celebrate the power of history." https://rutglobal.blogspot.com/2025/02/what-to-know-about-black-history-month.html
Films, Podcasts & Experiences
1 个月Here's to supporting the creative industries!. I see room for more low- budget/high interest web- based series' to champion emerging talent and fresh ideas(for Gen Z and beyond). Creativity is in the hands of creators doing it without funding or commission. Let's connect the BBC to the indie creators with a little funding and a big stage to reach a larger audience.