The Kids Are Alright?

The BBC has this week published an annual plan, pledging to show a more diverse range of programmes and to better reflect the different nations of the UK.

The beeb will seemingly aim to directly compete with the likes of Netflix, Now TV and Amazon Video by offering a “demonstrably broader range of genres in peak time than any comparable channel”. This will include more news during peak times than its rivals.

The plan also outlines that Radio 1 will play a “more distinctive mix of music” and “a daytime playlist which features a greater range of songs”. Elaborating on the music part of the strategy, the plan states: “Our strategic focus in music will be on refreshing music radio and supporting Radio 1; creating greater impact on BBC One through landmark music moments; and developing new digital outlets for the BBC’s music content through greater personalisation within iPlayer Radio“.

The organisation will also seek to “rise to the challenge of better reflecting and representing a changing UK”,  with increased investments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The BBC will also spend an extra £34m on children’s content over the next three years as part of the plan, which is being published as part of its new 11-year royal charter that will see the BBC being regulated by Ofcom for the first time.

BBC Director-General, Tony Hall said: “Our ambition to reinvent the BBC for a new generation is our biggest priority for next year. Every part of the BBC will need to contribute to meeting this challenge. In this plan we set out our creative vision and some of the strategic decisions we will need to take to help us achieve that goal”.

A Netflix style BBC service offering access to all archives would be a compelling offering for many, and one that the BBC are surely well placed to deliver. It is in fact surprising that the Beeb don’t already have this in place and it’s difficult to shake the feeling that they are on the back foot with the increasing popularity of Netflix, Spotify et al.