RD
So it's been 2 years since this channel was launched, how do you think it's going?
TE
Hasn't done enough to justify its existence, IMO.
It has been helped by Covid in that daily briefings by the First Minister have hidden how unpopular new commissions have been. What has succeeded (Inside Central Station, Paramedics on Scene etc) could have been networked (which they subsequently were anyway) with the likes of Crime Files and Murder Case being shown late night on BBC1 Scotland instead, which generally happened with these types of shows before 2019.
They seem to have given up on quiz formats which would help them produce the volume of new programming they struggle with.
Returning to my first point, I don't think the quality of programming has been affected that much by the pandemic. The budget remains the same as does the lack of originality from commissioners and production companies alike.
So it's been 2 years since this channel was launched, how do you think it's going?
Hasn't done enough to justify its existence, IMO.
It has been helped by Covid in that daily briefings by the First Minister have hidden how unpopular new commissions have been. What has succeeded (Inside Central Station, Paramedics on Scene etc) could have been networked (which they subsequently were anyway) with the likes of Crime Files and Murder Case being shown late night on BBC1 Scotland instead, which generally happened with these types of shows before 2019.
They seem to have given up on quiz formats which would help them produce the volume of new programming they struggle with.
Returning to my first point, I don't think the quality of programming has been affected that much by the pandemic. The budget remains the same as does the lack of originality from commissioners and production companies alike.
TE
According to the latest BARB figures, Still Game was beaten in the ratings - the first time in a while.
BBC Scotland are pushing ahead with Series 7. Not sure this is a good idea as S6 was 2007 while S7 is from 2016 so the show looks very different and the dip in quality is more noticeable.
Could have perhaps shown the live at the Hydro performance to bridge the gap but it's a shame that the channel have nothing else to offer.
BBC Scotland are pushing ahead with Series 7. Not sure this is a good idea as S6 was 2007 while S7 is from 2016 so the show looks very different and the dip in quality is more noticeable.
Could have perhaps shown the live at the Hydro performance to bridge the gap but it's a shame that the channel have nothing else to offer.
SL
BBC Scotland briefly cut to old footage of Prince Philip earlier while showing the Committee. Footage around 3.53pm or after on iplayer.
TE
Paramedics on Scene nearly 100k in its final episode of S2, so that will likely be recommissioned. Bump Birth Baby and Des Doesn't Do probably not though, both failing to get 40k. They too are on their second runs.
TE
Last post on this thread before the forum closes.
Previously I mentioned about Covid having little effect on the quality of BBC Scotland programming. Where it perhaps has been more disruptive is in volume and given that the channel relies heavily on repeats, this effect has taken longer to present itself compared to other channels.
Recently there have been more repeat showings of programmes, which is fair enough if they were new commissions but sometimes they're not - for example, City Lights and The Karen Dunbar Show are shown during the week and at weekends. Also, more and more programmes that were originally shown on BBC1+2 have made it onto the schedule.
The 50/50 ratio of originals and repeats which is often quoted for BBC Scotland is misleading because there's not a chance that in, say, one given week that 50% of BBC Scotland's programming is original.
With an increasing number of repeats (whether "original" or not) and many second runs of formats proving fruitless, I genuinely think that a firm decision on the channel's future will be made this year. There just isn't enough new and returnable content to sustain a worthwhile channel.
Previously I mentioned about Covid having little effect on the quality of BBC Scotland programming. Where it perhaps has been more disruptive is in volume and given that the channel relies heavily on repeats, this effect has taken longer to present itself compared to other channels.
Recently there have been more repeat showings of programmes, which is fair enough if they were new commissions but sometimes they're not - for example, City Lights and The Karen Dunbar Show are shown during the week and at weekends. Also, more and more programmes that were originally shown on BBC1+2 have made it onto the schedule.
The 50/50 ratio of originals and repeats which is often quoted for BBC Scotland is misleading because there's not a chance that in, say, one given week that 50% of BBC Scotland's programming is original.
With an increasing number of repeats (whether "original" or not) and many second runs of formats proving fruitless, I genuinely think that a firm decision on the channel's future will be made this year. There just isn't enough new and returnable content to sustain a worthwhile channel.
Last edited by tellyblues on 29 March 2021 5:26pm - 2 times in total
RD
Not before the Scottish Parliament election though, also the BBC Annual Plan was released today and as predicted there is no mention that the channel's future is in doubt. This is what is written on the channel's future on the BBC's Annual Plan:
Fresh and innovative content, formats and new talent, will continue to define the
BBC Scotland Channel.
• Factual programmes across the year will include the return of Inside Central
Station, Inside the Zoo and Scotland’s Home of the Year. There will also be new
series of Murder Case and David Wilson’s Crime Files and Who Owns Scotland?
will scrutinise urban and rural land ownership.
• The multi-award winning Guilt will return to the BBC Scotland Channel and BBC
Two for a second series.
• Burnistoun’s Iain Connell and Robert Florence will bring a new comedy series to
screens with The Scotts.
• TUNE and Loop will highlight the best stories in music and arts from across
Scotland.
But I presume that nothing was mentioned specifically due to the fact that an important election is coming up in Scotland, so it's better if they don't say or do anything about it.....for now
Last post on this thread before the forum closes.
Previously I mentioned about Covid having little effect on the quality of BBC Scotland programming. Where it perhaps has been more disruptive is in volume and given that the channel relies heavily on repeats, this effect has taken longer to present itself compared to other channels.
Recently there have been more repeat showings of programmes, which is fair enough if they were new commissions but sometimes they're not - for example, City Lights and The Karen Dunbar Show are shown during the week and at weekends. Also, more and more programmes that were originally shown on BBC1+2 have made it onto the schedule.
The 50/50 ratio of originals and repeats which is often quoted for BBC Scotland is misleading because there's not a chance that in, say, one given week that 50% of BBC Scotland's programming is original.
With an increasing number of repeats (whether "original" or not) and many second runs of formats proving fruitless, I genuinely think that a firm decision on the channel's future will be made this year. There just isn't enough new and returnable content to sustain a worthwhile channel.
Previously I mentioned about Covid having little effect on the quality of BBC Scotland programming. Where it perhaps has been more disruptive is in volume and given that the channel relies heavily on repeats, this effect has taken longer to present itself compared to other channels.
Recently there have been more repeat showings of programmes, which is fair enough if they were new commissions but sometimes they're not - for example, City Lights and The Karen Dunbar Show are shown during the week and at weekends. Also, more and more programmes that were originally shown on BBC1+2 have made it onto the schedule.
The 50/50 ratio of originals and repeats which is often quoted for BBC Scotland is misleading because there's not a chance that in, say, one given week that 50% of BBC Scotland's programming is original.
With an increasing number of repeats (whether "original" or not) and many second runs of formats proving fruitless, I genuinely think that a firm decision on the channel's future will be made this year. There just isn't enough new and returnable content to sustain a worthwhile channel.
Not before the Scottish Parliament election though, also the BBC Annual Plan was released today and as predicted there is no mention that the channel's future is in doubt. This is what is written on the channel's future on the BBC's Annual Plan:
Fresh and innovative content, formats and new talent, will continue to define the
BBC Scotland Channel.
• Factual programmes across the year will include the return of Inside Central
Station, Inside the Zoo and Scotland’s Home of the Year. There will also be new
series of Murder Case and David Wilson’s Crime Files and Who Owns Scotland?
will scrutinise urban and rural land ownership.
• The multi-award winning Guilt will return to the BBC Scotland Channel and BBC
Two for a second series.
• Burnistoun’s Iain Connell and Robert Florence will bring a new comedy series to
screens with The Scotts.
• TUNE and Loop will highlight the best stories in music and arts from across
Scotland.
But I presume that nothing was mentioned specifically due to the fact that an important election is coming up in Scotland, so it's better if they don't say or do anything about it.....for now
Last edited by Roger Darthwell on 29 March 2021 5:43pm