Peak-time repeats broadcast on BBC One rose by 65 per cent during the past 12 months, according to the corporation’s latest annual report. Overall, repeats accounted for more than 100 hours of viewing.
In addition to the rise in peak-time repeats, which last year reached a four-year high, the report highlights that prime-time repeats rose to 6.6 per cent and that repeats accounted for around 27 percent of BBC Two’s output. Reasons cited for the rise included budgetary pressures and the fact that there were no major live sporting events, such as an Olympic Games, during the year.
Reaction to the rise in repeats
The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has previously raised this issue as a concern. Commenting on a consultation, the regulator referred to the ‘widespread inclusion’ of repeats and suggested that they act as a disincentive to create new programming. Ofcom has even called on the BBC to make a commitment to setting an obligation on what it calls ‘first-run content’.
What do audiences think? According to Ofcom, too many repeats are one of the main sources of complaint the regulator receives from licence payers, suggesting that viewers also get tired of seeing the same old shows. Viewers and those elsewhere in the UK are finding a sore lack of original and new programming when they settle down to watch peak-time BBC One.
Lots more choice for viewers
It is interesting to note that ten years ago, the then chairman of the BBC, Michael Grade, pledged to end BBC One repeats within a decade; however, since then, the rise of Amazon and Netflix has added to the pressure to create high-quality programming.
There is far more to enjoy on TV than just what the Beeb puts out, of course. Although viewers might not want to see yet another airing of Mrs Brown’s Boys or Pointless Celebrities, there is still plenty of great entertainment on TV. A company like this TV aerial installation Gloucester based company steveunettaerials.co.uk will be able to provide you with an aerial or dish to get even more channels.
On one hand, endless repeats can be frustrating; on the other, many viewers enjoy the chance to watch their favourite shows time and time again. It is down to the BBC to get the balance right.
