British TV ‘alive and well’, says former BBC1 controller Lorraine Heggessey

Everyone TV (Source: TBI)

British TV content is “alive and well” according to former BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey, who pointed to the likes of ITV drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office as an example of “what British public service broadcasting does at its best”.

Heggessey said that certain genres make people “come to your platform” when they are broadcast live, which is why streamers are now realising they need to enter the world of live sport.

She added that a key part of public broadcasters’ remit is to reflect British society, with diversity an important element within that role, including “creating pathways” for diverse talent to prosper.

“Streamers don’t see that as their role and they don’t need to,” she said.

Heggessey added that broadcasters such as the BBC had created multiple platforms that could provide ways for different talents with different creative ambitions to reach audiences.

“We need to champion new voices across all genres,” she continued, explaining that it was important to “disintermediate” and “give power to the authors” while “taking risks”.

Singer and writer Nicôle Lecky, who was speaking alongside Heggessey at the event, said younger viewers faced multiple sources of distraction, meaning that some content such as soap operas are becoming less compelling.

Lecky added, however, that British free TV broadcasters are still willing to take creative risks in ways that streamers may not be willing to do.