26-05-2022, 03:53 PM
It makes absolute sense in the climate the BBC is operating in (the wider discussions is not one for this place).
News channels get their audience when things happen - the benefit of having them is they are live 24/7, don't take long to 'stand up' and you can switch to them instantly. The BBC can still do this - if it's global news, do it jointly. If it's UK, you can focus on that on the 'channel' for a bit and then break out to the new B for coverage which it's likely will also end up on BBC One/Two.
I know we love a news channel here because we are that sort of person... but I can't remember the last time any of my family or friends went to watch a news channel more generally. If you want the headlines, you look online. If you want to watch some video clips, you look online. If you want a curated look at the day's news, you turn on BBC One at 6 or 10. When major news happens, you stick on BBC One and it's there.
In a world where everyone is having to make tough choices, this seems like a pragmatic one for sure.
News channels get their audience when things happen - the benefit of having them is they are live 24/7, don't take long to 'stand up' and you can switch to them instantly. The BBC can still do this - if it's global news, do it jointly. If it's UK, you can focus on that on the 'channel' for a bit and then break out to the new B for coverage which it's likely will also end up on BBC One/Two.
I know we love a news channel here because we are that sort of person... but I can't remember the last time any of my family or friends went to watch a news channel more generally. If you want the headlines, you look online. If you want to watch some video clips, you look online. If you want a curated look at the day's news, you turn on BBC One at 6 or 10. When major news happens, you stick on BBC One and it's there.
In a world where everyone is having to make tough choices, this seems like a pragmatic one for sure.