TV Live Forum

Roger Darthwell post_id=25788 time= user_id=1160 Wrote:

lobster post_id=25772 time= user_id=890 Wrote:I genuinely believe the reason for them expunging Gill Sans has nothing to do with licensing or mobile aesthetics and readability, it is the unfortunate and uncomfortable reality of having a master brand derived from the work of a molester and paedophile (Eric Gill).

Given operation yewtree and the other scandals of recent years, it’s easy to see why they are sensitive.

This is a really good point, but the new Reith typeface, which appears on the new BBC logo was started to be introduced in 2017-2018, by that point the Gill Sans typeface had been in use for 20 years, if they really wanted to expunge Gill Sans because of that, then why it took 20 years? Surely they could have done it earlier

The recent desire is very likely due to the Savile fallout and the need for the corporation to distance itself from that. But also, let's not forget that it takes a long time and a massive expense to change a logo. Not only are we talking about the logos featured on all the major television networks and radio services, but also building signage, merchandise, stationery, not forgetting the overseas stations and English regions too. The process could well run into tens of millions of pounds to change just three letters, and we all know how the Daily Mail would react to that.

All I can say is that quite a few things are gonna look different. I can’t say when or what. Till then I shall enjoy reading your speculations :lol:

JAS84 post_id=25789 time= user_id=881 Wrote:

brioalex post_id=25769 time= user_id=1062 Wrote:I wonder if this is indeed true, when we’ll start to see the updated BBC blocks on channel branding and the BBC website etc? Will they launch to a big fanfare or will it be a soft launch? Something tells me it’ll be the latter for cost reasons.

Well, BBC Two, CBBC and Cbeebies could just update the BBC logo and leave everything else as is. Same goes for News, Sport, Weather, and iPlayer. I think it's guaranteed that BBC One will get a new look, as we know The One Show is getting a new look soon - their current one contains the One in the same font as the BBC One logo. Their original look was shortlived because it also used the then-current (Gill Sans) font, the current one's been used since the circle idents launched. BBC Three will presumably get a new look when it returns to linear TV too. Which leaves BBC Four. A Reithed box (including the FOUR) but otherwise left as is?

I think you’re probably right here! I was rather hoping they’d use the opportunity to have an overhaul that brings in some consistency across the board but I’m not holding out any hope for that.

JK1985 post_id=25773 time= user_id=1347 Wrote:With regards to the statue on BBC Broadcasting House - you don't get rid of a famous statue on the side of this very well known building just because of the past of the sculpture created.

Do people not listen to Michael Jackson songs? A person's work of art, or any work, is not to be destroyed because of their personal life.

That is not all, if we really have to get rid of every association to Gill because of his horrible acts, then you have no idea of how many companies have to change their typeface because of it. Gill Sans is not only used by the BBC, it's also used by the London Underground, by United Colours of Benetton, by Tommy Hilfiger, by Saab Automobile, John Lewis, the Church of England, USAID, Wikimedia Foundation etc.....etc.....

Thistle post_id=25792 time= user_id=882 Wrote:All I can say is that quite a few things are gonna look different. I can’t say when or what. Till then I shall enjoy reading your speculations :lol:

Hmmm, I just hope that the Beeb is ready for the inevitable backlash it's going to get if the BBC logo is indeed changed.......

bilky asko post_id=25793 time= user_id=973 Wrote:

all new Phil post_id=25739 time= user_id=865 Wrote:I think the new logo looks alright and the old one looks dated. Bite me.

It's disappointingly often that a design classic has got a bit dated, and it gets with something that's OK, or bland. Or, in this case, something that just looks like a poor imitation.

I don't think the logo is "dated" per say, rather it has become somewhat stale and has outstayed its welcome. It could probably do with a slight refresh I agree, but in these belt-tightening times, can you seriously blame the BBC for not wanting to take on the task?

Ironically Martin Lambie-Nairn himself said of the current BBC logo that "by choosing a typeface that has stood the test of time, we avoid the trap of going down a modish route that might look outdated in several years' time". I don't think that the 1997 BBC logo is either dated or outstayed it's welcome....it's a logo that has been designed to be iconic and timeless, and I think it's wrong to replace it with a pale imitation of it

As was covered on TVF, it’s possible to tweak the logo to Reith without making it look like a childish mock-up. And I’m saying that desperately trying to look with a fresh pair of eyes and not as someone who has seen a ‘correct’ logo for 24 years.

Whether it looks ‘alright’ is by the by. Is it an improvement on what is currently used, in a way to justify a huge rebranding exercise at a time where the BBC supposedly doesn’t have the money? (yes, I’ve gone all horribly Daily Mail!)

And whilst I’d always say read things online with a healthy dose of cynicism, some comments on here are incredibly dismissive considering this is an identity we’re already seeing out in the wild. Two new identities launched with a different BBC logo is not a mistake! And it’s hardly like the BBC or creative agencies contracted to all this are going to come out until its officially announced. Hints from people in the know here are welcome ?

We’re going to be in the era of dual brands for years - we still occasionally see that BBC ONE logos from 2002!

Really hope BBC One’s new identity makes up for it.

bilky asko post_id=25802 time= user_id=973 Wrote:The issue is that whilst the new blocks do indeed look more modern, they don't look visually pleasing.

They're always going to be able to achieve OK because three blocks with letters in is a decent foundation. But why settle for OK when money has been spent on it?

Completely agree, but there is only so much you can do with 3 blocks and 3 letters.

brioalex post_id=25803 time= user_id=1062 Wrote:

bilky asko post_id=25802 time= user_id=973 Wrote:The issue is that whilst the new blocks do indeed look more modern, they don't look visually pleasing.

They're always going to be able to achieve OK because three blocks with letters in is a decent foundation. But why settle for OK when money has been spent on it?

Completely agree, but there is only so much you can do with 3 blocks and 3 letters.

I am in the belief of if it ain't broke, don't fix it

Roger Darthwell post_id=25804 time= user_id=1160 Wrote:

brioalex post_id=25803 time= user_id=1062 Wrote:

bilky asko post_id=25802 time= user_id=973 Wrote:The issue is that whilst the new blocks do indeed look more modern, they don't look visually pleasing.

They're always going to be able to achieve OK because three blocks with letters in is a decent foundation. But why settle for OK when money has been spent on it?

Completely agree, but there is only so much you can do with 3 blocks and 3 letters.

I am in the belief of if it ain't broke, don't fix it

I’m absolutely with you. I don’t dislike the new blocks but it does seem like change for change sake. I’m partly holding back until we see the new blocks with branding that’s closer to home before I make up my mind!

bilky asko post_id=25805 time= user_id=973 Wrote:

brioalex post_id=25803 time= user_id=1062 Wrote:

bilky asko post_id=25802 time= user_id=973 Wrote:The issue is that whilst the new blocks do indeed look more modern, they don't look visually pleasing.

They're always going to be able to achieve OK because three blocks with letters in is a decent foundation. But why settle for OK when money has been spent on it?

Completely agree, but there is only so much you can do with 3 blocks and 3 letters.

Which makes it all the worse that it looks just "alright".

This seems like a good time to repost the mock from Television Forum of the blocks.

Ahh yes, ‘The Reith Switcheroo‘ as I like to nickname that mock. I do prefer that version but I’m guessing they wanted to make it just a little bit different to what we currently have now hence the spacing change and lettering size. It was certainly going to cause a stir when we’re all used to the 1997 one now.

I really don't like the revised logo AT ALL - the current logo (although outdated) still looks great, even after 27 years. They really should use the mock logo instead of this logo.

Using the Reith Switcheroo would mean continuity without upsetting people too much but no.......this is free ammo to the BBC's critics as I already said, and it's a pity that they don't realize this. And I say this as someone who'd prefer that the current logo stays

I think there’s certainly merit is having a full overhaul of all of the brand in a similar vein to 1997. The emphasis being on the money saved through having one consistent brand that can be repeated and used everywhere efficiently rather than creating new branding every time.