In a surprising turn of events, the BBC took the lead in scripted TV programming in the UK last year, commissioning half of all scripted shows despite facing challenges such as budget cuts and inflation. While its competitors and streamers experienced a slowdown in commissioning, the BBC greenlit 129 out of 256 scripted shows in 2023, a slight increase from the previous year. This shift in commissioning trends highlights the resilience and adaptability of the public broadcaster in a rapidly changing media landscape.
A notable change in the BBC’s scripted commissioning strategy was the emphasis on kids’ shows, which saw a significant increase of 23% compared to the previous year. Additionally, crime and thriller titles experienced a 16% uptick in commissions, signaling a shift towards more gripping and dramatic content. However, comedy suffered a decline of 27%, making it the most impacted genre in 2023. This shift in genre focus reflects changing audience preferences and the need to cater to a diverse range of viewers.
Despite its strong performance in scripted commissioning, the BBC faced challenges such as budget cuts and a less-than-ideal license fee settlement, resulting in a shortfall of around £90 million. The broadcaster announced plans to cut up to 1,000 hours of programming per year to meet savings targets, leading to reductions in cheaper-to-produce unscripted content. These financial constraints have forced the BBC to reevaluate its commissioning priorities and make strategic decisions to navigate the changing media landscape.
The UK broadcasting industry faced a challenging year in 2023, with the recession and U.S. strikes affecting programming and commissioning decisions. As media consumption patterns continue to evolve, commissioning strategies are shifting to adapt to new consumer behaviors and preferences. While commercial operators and broadcasters are grappling with pressures on consumer spending and advertising revenue, public service broadcasters like the BBC have maintained their commissioning activity, showcasing the resilience of the public funding model in a rapidly changing industry.
The BBC’s dominance in scripted commissioning in the UK highlights the broadcaster’s ability to innovate and adapt to industry changes. By focusing on a diverse range of genres and making strategic decisions to address budget challenges, the BBC has positioned itself as a leader in the evolving landscape of scripted TV programming. As audience preferences continue to evolve and industry dynamics shift, the BBC’s commissioning strategies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of UK television.