BBC Must Explain Glossy U.S. Acquisitions After Being Accused By ITV Of Chasing Ratings
deadline.comThe BBC has been told that it must be more transparent about its content acquisitions strategy after being accused by ITV of buying glossy U.S.
shows to chase ratings. Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, said the BBC must explain in its Annual Plan how buying content, as opposed to commissioning British originals, supports “distinctiveness” and engages different audiences.
The BBC is funded by the British public to the tune of £3.8B ($4.7B), meaning it has an obligation to be distinct from commercial rivals like ITV and serve all audiences.
Ofcom made the intervention as part of plans to update the BBC’s operating licence for a digital age from next month. A guiding principle of the changes is transparency, with Ofcom arguing that the BBC has not always provided proper “detail and clarity” on updates to its output and services.
Read more on deadline.com