3 ms·

BBC (and other national broadcasters) should focus on news, children's TV and maybe a small selection of cultural stuff that otherwise wouldn't have exposure. I

BBC (and other national broadcasters) should focus on news, children's TV and maybe a small selection of cultural stuff that otherwise wouldn't have exposure. It makes no sense to compete in the commercial entertainment space. I'm already noticing that there's stuff on streaming now that includes funding from several non-profit or national cultural organisations, I think that model can work well. I enjoy watching European or Asian productions with subtitles and get a break from the usual fare. There are huge economies of scale to be had.

vharuck 5y ago
This is what Japan's NHK does, and I watch it a lot on Roku. Documentaries, cooking shows, talk shows focusing on Japanese culture, etc. They're basically cultivating and training tourists, which is great! I want to know about famous places that I can visit, new food I can try, and enough Japanese to at least get directions or buy things from people who can't speak English. And, while the production values aren't Hollywood-level, I expect they're better than what prefectural tourist offices would make. If I were planning a trip to Great Britain, I'd happily watch a similar channel.
- ghostbrainalpha 5y ago
  I agree with you, but we need to reevaluate our values when it comes to public funds. When Florida paid Emeril Lagasse to produce a show that's purpose was partly to promote Florida tourism, people freaked out and it ruined his career.
deadbunny 5y ago
> It makes no sense to compete in the commercial entertainment space. If the authors figures are right and they are spending a fraction of what the competition are spending while still producing solid shows (which are then sold on to other markets for a decent price) then why not?
golemiprague 5y ago
Looking from the outside I like many British shows but it doesn't really matter whether they are a BBC show or ITV or whatever other channel. I don't like the politics though and I wouldn't want my tax money financing a news channel as I don't believe it can be "objective", let each political group finance their own propaganda themselves.
MAGZine 5y ago
I don't think that's necessarily true. National broadcasters have created great television. They can compete just fine. They can't, or shouldn't, compete, is just an opinion. TopGear and Schitts creek come immediately to mind of great successes.

vharuck 5y ago

This is what Japan's NHK does, and I watch it a lot on Roku. Documentaries, cooking shows, talk shows focusing on Japanese culture, etc. They're basically cultivating and training tourists, which is great! I want to know about famous places that I can visit, new food I can try, and enough Japanese to at least get directions or buy things from people who can't speak English. And, while the production values aren't Hollywood-level, I expect they're better than what prefectural tourist offices would make. If I were planning a trip to Great Britain, I'd happily watch a similar channel.

ghostbrainalpha 5y ago
I agree with you, but we need to reevaluate our values when it comes to public funds. When Florida paid Emeril Lagasse to produce a show that's purpose was partly to promote Florida tourism, people freaked out and it ruined his career.

deadbunny 5y ago

> It makes no sense to compete in the commercial entertainment space. If the authors figures are right and they are spending a fraction of what the competition are spending while still producing solid shows (which are then sold on to other markets for a decent price) then why not?

golemiprague 5y ago

Looking from the outside I like many British shows but it doesn't really matter whether they are a BBC show or ITV or whatever other channel. I don't like the politics though and I wouldn't want my tax money financing a news channel as I don't believe it can be "objective", let each political group finance their own propaganda themselves.

MAGZine 5y ago

I don't think that's necessarily true. National broadcasters have created great television. They can compete just fine. They can't, or shouldn't, compete, is just an opinion. TopGear and Schitts creek come immediately to mind of great successes.