Lifestyle shows slimmed down by BBC

Lifestyle shows have had their day, BBC chiefs signalled today as they announced a makeover for schedules.

Director general Greg Dyke said that BBC2 would be “reducing its reliance” on leisure programmes, while arts, politics and current affairs would gain a bigger peaktime profile.

The channel has found huge success with shows such as Home Front, How To Be A Gardener and What Not To Wear.

Changing Rooms and Ground Force proved such hits after starting out on BBC2 that they transferred to BBC1 where they remain, even after the latter saw the departure of gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh.

The shift in emphasis is revealed in a report called Looking Ahead which sets out the BBC’s future programme policies for all its services.

In his foreword Mr Dyke points out the corporation’s two main TV channels will work in tandem to avoid clashes of similar shows.

And he says: “BBC2 will also be changing its programme mix in peak time by reducing its reliance on lifestyle programming without, of course, doing away with this type of programming altogether.”

There has been criticism in the past that the BBC had marginalised arts shows, but the statement commits both BBC1 and 2 to making them a priority.

BBC1 will see “a year of arts landmark programmes as new investment arrives on screen”.

These will include a series conjuring up the world of Michelangelo, a celebration of the life of Frankenstein creator Mary Shelley and the birth of the new arts strand Imagine.

BBC2 aims to overturn the myth that “serious music and arts are .... perceived as being of limited interest to non-specialists”.

It will look at the works of Byron and Pepys as well as recreating the composition of Beethoven’s Eroica. In addition there will be two new politics shows, as well as scheduling “prime-time programmes on international affairs”.

The document, released today, underlines the main objectives set out by BBC Governors.

They include: “To underpin the BBC’s public service remit by extending the range and quality of its radio and television services, with a focus on broadcasting more high-impact, memorable programmes, particularly arts and current affairs.”

Chairman Gavyn Davies said: “The BBC continues to provide everyone in the UK with something unique. Nowhere else can viewers and listeners find the range, ambition and quality of the services described in the Statements.

“Nevertheless, the BBC needs to make further progress, especially in the areas of arts and current affairs. We believe that a further improvement in quality and distinctiveness can be achieved.”

BBC chiefs said they were committed to giving Panorama a regular slot on Sunday nights and four weekday specials.