Auntie needs to reform...and quick

THIS shocking poll result is dreadful news for the BBC. A significant majority want the licence fee scrapped, largely because they don’t believe it represents value for money any more.

More devastatingly, two thirds of those aged 18-34 prefer to watch channels such as Netflix and Amazon. But as grim as it appears, the game isn’t up. It’s time for the BBC to be pragmatic and address why people no longer support a compulsory levy.

First, viewers are now also paying for other TV services in huge numbers. Second, they’re now drawn to shows not by a broadcaster’s reputation but by the quality of each show.the programmes just aren’t compelling enough. But people would have watched HBO’S Game Of Thrones on the side of a bus shelter.

The BBC needs to drastically up its hit rate. It simply can’t continue to trade on a sparse number of hits, such as Fleabag, or Line Of Duty.

It needs more world-class comedy and drama, and fast, while drastically cutting the salaries of its presenters and management.

There is good news: the BBC still has an important place in our culture, and its news is considered largely unbiased. People still want Auntie, but not in the way it is.and time is pressing. Don’t wait until the next Charter review ends in seven years. Make it easier now for top producers who are going elsewhere, to get commissioned.

John Lloyd, who made Blackadder, approached a BBC commissioning editor several years ago. “Yes,” he told John, “we’d love another series of Blackadder, but is there any way we could do it without the history?”

Reform now, BBC, before it’s too late.