We don’t make shows for older audiences, admits BBC

THE BBC has admitted it does not make programmes specifically for older audiences, claiming their viewing preferences are too varied.

Instead, the corporation called for a ‘degree of compromise’, saying over-50s should tune in to shows created for a ‘general audience’. It emerged in response to a licence fee-payer who wrote to directorgeneral Tim Davie complaining that older people were not the broadcaster’s main focus and were being taken for granted. The viewer, aged 55, told Mr Davie that ‘I often roll my eyes’ when loading iPlayer or BBC Sounds due to the volume of content aimed at ‘twentysomethings’.

The viewer added: ‘I know you need to encourage them to pay the TV licence, but it feels like in the rush to ensure the future of the BBC, people like me have been pushed aside.’ The audience services department replied on behalf of BBC management.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the response read: ‘We find that tastes in older age groups vary just as much as those in any other age range.’ It added: ‘There isn’t a typical programme or range of shows that would appeal specifically to older audiences, and that’s why our television channels and radio stations and the information on our website is for a general audience.

‘We are a general broadcaster ... so there needs to be a degree of compromise.’

A BBC spokesman said: ‘Older people are extraordinarily well served by a BBC that offers something for everyone across TV, radio and online.

‘Our aim is to reach and reflect all audiences, and more than 90 per cent of UK adults use the BBC each week.’