BBC Director: “BBC One fuels iPlayer growth”
August 25, 2020
Speaking at the 2020 Virtual Edinburgh Television Festival, Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, said: “2020 has been unprecedented, and while the pandemic has had a devastating impact on so many, it has also highlighted the power of television and the valuable role that BBC One plays in people’s lives.
She continued: “BBC One has increased its weekly reach and time spent so far this year compared to the same period last year by doing what it does best; bringing the nation together with record numbers coming to our programmes. More young and diverse audiences turned to BBC One in uncertain times for information, entertainment, advice and support. And the crisis further underlined the public’s appetite for shared experiences and great stories.”
“BBC One and iPlayer are inextricably linked. BBC One responded to the mood of the nation and people’s desire to escape and this lead to record breaking numbers on iPlayer. The role of iPlayer came into its own; firmly establishing itself as an entertainment destination in its own right as viewers with time on their hands were able to see the full extent of the content available to them.”
“In the year ahead, BBC One will continue to fuel the growth of iPlayer even further. BBC One is the shop window for audiences to discover the full range of high quality programmes available on iPlayer and explore everything else on offer.”
“This is what BBC One can uniquely do; it provides a live schedule that talks to people in the moment with content that feels relevant to all of us and reflects a changing modern Britain. BBC One’s unrivalled commitment to creativity, diversity and risk taking is the gateway into growing iPlayer. Audiences come to be informed, educated and entertained – and we offer a range that put simply, only the BBC is able to.”
“The announcements I’m making today will only enhance our rich and compelling autumn and winter line-up that audiences have to look forward to. I’m committed to modernising BBC One’s mix of programmes to expand our range of ambitious and distinctive content for diverse and young people.”
The new commissions announced include two dramas: The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies, the first original series from sibling writing duo Penelope and Ginny Skinner from Sister Pictures, and Ralph And Katie, a new spin off series from Peter Bowker’s hit BBC One drama The A Word focusing on the well-Loved characters Ralph (Leon Harrop) and Katie (Sarah Gordy), written by Peter Bowker alongside new and emerging disabled writers made by ITV Studios & Keshet Productions in association with Tiger Aspect.
Three important and timely documentary films include David Harewood investigating the impact of race on coronavirus produced by Twenty Twenty. Anton Ferdinand on racism in football made by Wonder; and Patrick Kielty on Northern Ireland made by Dragonfly.