Five aims to capitalise on BBC acquisition cuts

UK commercial broadcaster Five hopes to capitalise on the BBC’s plans to reduce the amount of foreign content it acquires.

The British public broadcaster announced plans to reduce its spending on imported programming by 20% as part of a far reaching review to cut costs.

The RTL-owned network hopes that this move will see international series, particularly US dramas, come down in price.

Chief executive Dawn Airey told TBIvision that the BBC move will bring down license fees for foreign fare. “It will be great for broadcasters from the UK. Hopefully things will be a lot cheaper,” she said.

Five acquires a raft of US content including shows such as the CSI franchise, hit Warner Bros crime drama The Mentalist and CBS Studios International’s remake of adult drama Melrose Place.