BBC’s primetime drama

THE BBC should avoid scheduling its popular shows at peak times when they clash with other broadcasters’ best offerings, says a rival TV boss.

Former BBC One controller Jay Hunt, now chief creative officer at Channel 4, said it is difficult for commercial channels to compete with the Beeb.

She added: ‘The BBC needs to be mindful of the impact of their scheduling decisions.

‘There is no consequence for the BBC if it doesn’t work, but there is a very real consequence if a big expensive drama doesn’t work for a commercial channel.’

Speaking during a debate between channel bosses at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, Miss Hunt said she thought the situation was improving but that it would continue to be a problem.

Questioned about the scheduling of the BBC’s Poldark against ITV’s new costume drama Victoria, Kevin Lygo, director of television at ITV, said he had not complained about aggressive scheduling. However, he admitted: ‘It would be best if BBC One, at the time we were playing Victoria, had some marvellous public service film about LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] matters.’

He added: ‘But Sunday night is a particular place for dramas, there is a long and esteemed heritage of costume drama.’