In the latest industry stir, the ITV Content Chief has blasted the BBC over its acquisition of the US series ‘Suits’ and ‘Gossip Girl.’ A move branded “peculiar” by the ITV content head, raises further questions over the BBC’s strategy and commitment to original UK content.
The decision by the BBC to purchase these American programs comes as part of a more extensive strategy to attract younger viewers to its iPlayer service. However, the views expressed by the ITV executive were ones of concern regarding the amount of licence fee money the BBC was spending on buying international programs around the world, when in fact there is so much talent and excellent productions within the British broadcasting scene.
It raises a sensitive point within the UK’s broadcasting industry: finding a balance between supporting homegrown content and sourcing popular international shows. According to the ITV executive, as a public service broadcaster, the BBC should channel more investments into British creativity and storytelling. Acquiring well-established American shows may have the unintended consequence of squeezing out fresh UK talent and productions that could gain from greater exposure.
Some have defended the strategy of the BBC by saying that having widely recognized international series gives the iPlayer a wider appeal to a young audience not focused on traditional British programming. Acquisitions such as this complement the Beeb’s slate of original content, providing a different means of viewing.
This has been part of a longer-term debate pointing to the wider discussion about the future of public broadcasting in an increasingly globalized media environment. For UK broadcasters like the BBC and ITV, what will be challenging is finding a delicate balance between supporting homegrown industries and meeting audiences’ changing tastes in a world dominated by streaming platforms and international media moguls competing for attention.