Media
New BBC Director-General Mark Thompson is pondering the launch of a new digital channel dedicated to homegrown films.
The news comes one month after an Ofcom report criticised the corporation for buying Hollywood blockbusters with licence fee money. "The BBC should have regard to the extent to which Hollywood films and other expensive acquired programming meet its own public value test and could not be provided equally well, at no direct cost to the public, by free-to-air commercial broadcasters," said the report.
The Beeb currently spends about £85 million a year on acquired movies, versus just £10 million on domestic production.
Thompson, speaking to the all-party media select committee yesterday, said that setting up a new channel in partnership with another broadcaster would be an answer.
He added that he would consider a number of other measures including providing production help to filmmakers, such as script assistance.
The news comes one month after an Ofcom report criticised the corporation for buying Hollywood blockbusters with licence fee money. "The BBC should have regard to the extent to which Hollywood films and other expensive acquired programming meet its own public value test and could not be provided equally well, at no direct cost to the public, by free-to-air commercial broadcasters," said the report.
The Beeb currently spends about £85 million a year on acquired movies, versus just £10 million on domestic production.
Thompson, speaking to the all-party media select committee yesterday, said that setting up a new channel in partnership with another broadcaster would be an answer.
He added that he would consider a number of other measures including providing production help to filmmakers, such as script assistance.
More: Media, Broadcasting
TV Ratings
'The Only Way Is Essex' draws nearly 1mBBC One wins primetime with help from Super Smart Animals and MasterChef.
Tube Talk
The Best TV Couples: Friday FiverTube Talk celebrates Valentine's Day by reminiscing about the best TV couples.
US TV Ratings
Mandel's 'Mobbed' climbs to 8.8m for FoxThe latest Mobbed is once again helped by a strong American Idol lead-in.
TV Interviews
'Walking Dead' Andrew Lincoln interviewAndrew Lincoln chats to Digital Spy ahead of the return of The Walking Dead.
