Scott Bryan, a savvy TV critic and broadcaster, sheds light on the crisis in British television. He discusses how traditional broadcasters are struggling against the tide of global streaming platforms. Notable series like 'Mr. Bates' face commissioning challenges as budgets tighten. The conversation moves to the impact of reboots on creativity and concerns over authentic British narratives being overshadowed by globally appealing content. With the future of iconic franchises like James Bond at stake, Bryan emphasizes the need to protect unique storytelling in the industry.
The British television industry is facing a crisis due to traditional broadcasters losing ground to streaming services amidst tightening budgets.
The shift towards shorter series and reliance on established franchises may limit opportunities for new talent and diverse storytelling in British TV.
Deep dives
The British Television Industry in Crisis
The British television industry is facing significant challenges as traditional broadcast channels struggle to compete with the rise of streaming services. Many professionals are being forced to seek alternative employment, with reports of TV workers taking jobs as delivery drivers and bartenders. The financial strain stems from a combination of factors, including a slowdown in advertising revenue and a freeze on the BBC's license fee, which has not kept pace with inflation. This situation has created a 'perfect storm' for the industry, as funding for British stories becomes increasingly hard to secure.
Impact of COVID and Economic Pressures
COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the television production landscape, causing prolonged closures that halted productions. Although there was an initial surge in productions following lockdowns, this was short-lived as ad revenues declined, limiting the number of programs networks could sustain. Additionally, inflation has driven operational costs up, further constraining budgets. The industry is now in a position where even critically acclaimed shows, like 'Mr. Bates', struggle to find funding due to their niche appeal and the prioritization of globally marketable content.
The Shift in Content Production Model
The contemporary landscape of television production has shifted dramatically, with the traditional model of long-running series being replaced by shorter, limited series. This transition has implications for writers, actors, and crew, as fewer episodes result in less income and job security. There is an increasing reliance on established intellectual property, such as reboots of popular franchises, at the expense of original British stories. Consequently, this environment may hinder the development of new talent and diverse voices within the industry.
Future of British Stories and Industry Inclusivity
The dominance of global streaming platforms raises concerns about the representation of British narratives in future productions. While shows like 'Adolescence' showcase British talent and storytelling, there is a risk that broad global appeal will take precedence over unique domestic voices. This shift could lead to a diminished presence of regional stories and a lack of diverse perspectives in the industry. The need for inclusive opportunities remains critical; without sustained investment in new talent and stories, the very fabric of British television may be compromised.
Is British TV in crisis? On the surface, it looks like a golden age – hits like Bridgerton, Baby Reindeer, and Adolescence are winning international acclaim. But behind the scenes, it’s a different story. Traditional broadcasters are losing ground to streamers, and homegrown hits like Mr Bates vs. The Post Office could struggle to get commissioned as budgets tighten.
To break it all down Scott Bryan, TV critic and writer of the Worth Watching Substack, joins Alex von Tunzelmann in The Bunker to look at the current state of British TV and find out what can be done to revive the industry.
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Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.