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New 8.30pm start time announced (for Fri 30th October onwards)

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Tim Scoones Tim Scoones | 17:25 UK time, Sunday, 18 October 2009

This year there have been two key changes to Autumnwatch - a change of shape for the series and a change of transmission time.

If you watched Points Of View today, you'll know we've made an announcement that, from Friday 30th October - and for the rest of this series of Autumnwatch - we are going to be starting the show at 8.30pm. I hope that this will come as welcome news to those of you who were concerned about our current start time of 9pm.

Having thought long and heard about the realities of the autumn season and its wildlife events, as well as the practicalities of making the live TV programmes and the web site, we decided to give Autumnwatch a new shape. We talked to BBC TWO and decided to play Autumnwatch 2009 out over eight weeks rather than strip it over two weeks, so that viewers could enjoy the beauty, drama and spectacle of this season, from the very beginnings of autumn in early October to the onset of winter in late November.

Although Autumnwatch has run at 8pm in the past, BBC TWO's biggest shows are made with either an 8pm or 9pm slot in mind. This enables BBC TWO to be flexible with the schedule and find the best slot for the programme. Taking into account the fact that we would also be showing our new Autumnwatch Unsprung programme immediately after Autumnwatch, BBC TWO decided that 9pm on Friday evenings was the best slot for the show, with Autumnwatch Unsprung starting at 10pm (with repeats of both of them most weeks on a Saturday late afternoon or early evening).

We're proud of the fact that we have a very close dialogue with our viewers, not least on our message board and here on the blog. In recent weeks it has become apparent that some viewers have been concerned about this new, 9pm start, particularly with regards to the family audience. We've been reading and listening closely.

TV scheduling is a very tricky game at the best of times, particularly for a programme like Autumnwatch, which has a very broad audience of different ages and with different viewing habits and needs. Friday and Saturday evenings in the autumn schedule are particularly competitive, especially when it comes to finding the best fit for a broad audience, including families who like to watch the show together.

We've been staying in close touch with BBC TWO about this and I'm delighted to say that an earlier slot has also become available on Friday evenings, so the good news is that we will be moving Autumnwatch forward to 8.30pm from Friday 30 October. Autumnwatch Unsprung will start at 9.30pm, so hopefully you'll want to stay with us for Unsprung and still manage to catch the news at 10pm.

We're really honoured to think that so many people care about our show and we are very grateful to our viewers for taking the time to let us know how they feel.

And before you ask ... don't worry, there are currently no plans to change the shape or transmission of Springwatch - the wildlife action at that time of year is much more concentrated into a shorter period and it is still light (and wildlife on our famous hidden cameras is still active) in the evenings - something that has rarely been the case for any Autumnwatch we have made. It is only Autumnwatch that has been re-shaped and re-thought ... for no other reason than to try and bring you the very best wildlife from this autumn and to inspire, encourage and empower you to go out there and enjoy the glories of the UK in autumn for yourself. This is the clear mission and passion of everyone who works on the show.

I hope the new 8.30pm start works for you. My thanks to my friends and colleagues at BBC TWO for listening to you and for making this change half way through the series.

Keep those thoughts and suggestions coming at the bottom of this blog, or on our message board. We are listening, and we're trying to do our best to give everyone what they want.

I hope you are enjoying the series. I personally love the new 8 week spread, because we can bring you so much more wildlife. This is real-life, real-time storytelling - showing you nature as it is, as we see it and as you see it, as it happens. Already we've been able to bring you rutting deer on Rum, Barnacle Geese from Svalbard to the Solway Firth, orchards, hedgehogs and of course this week's killer whales in the North Sea ... and we're only three weeks in. As we always say, its nature that writes the scripts for us, but - weather, technology and Mother Nature permitting - we have a whole load more autumn wildlife treats to bring you before the end of November.

Next stop aerial display teams in Norfolk for Chris and Kate, Simon getting woodsy in the Forest of Dean, the next instalment of Gordon's high seas adventure ... and of course Martin is keeping a close eye on all of the amazing stories, films, photos and questions that you send us as autumn unfurls before us.

Autumn is so much more than a season of mists and mellow fruitfulness .....

best wishes,


TIM SCOONES
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
AUTUMNWATCH AND SPRINGWATCH
BBC NATURAL HISTORY UNIT

Comments

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  • 1. At 8:05pm on 18 Oct 2009, riverbank wrote:

    Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! I am SO happy that the programme's been moved forward, and I can watch at least part of the live show with my kids now. Brilliant. You've made a middle-aged mum very happy.

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  • 2. At 8:39pm on 18 Oct 2009, Wildlife Filmer Adam wrote:

    Wahey!

    Grrreat idea!



    Adam L Canning

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  • 3. At 10:28pm on 18 Oct 2009, Goldfinch wrote:

    This is good news! I'm pleased to see that peoples views have been taken into account although personally i had no problem with the timing. I'm also pleased to see it confirmed that springwatch is not being altered as I had always believed to be the case. Thanks for all the hard work team :)

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  • 4. At 11:08pm on 18 Oct 2009, Marcus Rheade-Edwards wrote:

    What great news, tp read that the time of the show will be earlier in the evening, thanks BBC.
    I have to admit if the show was on at 4am I'd be up to watch it, and if I'm being honest I dont really have a problem with the time of the program, it's the fact its spread over 8 weeks istead of 8 days that i'm having difficutly with, I do hope it returns to its usuall format next year, but well done to the prodution team for trying something new, after all "if you dont try, you dont know".
    And lets face it, when it comes to Wildlife programs the BBC are the bees knees (pun intended).
    Thanks again BBC.

    Marcus Rheade-Edwards

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  • 5. At 11:21pm on 18 Oct 2009, squirrellover wrote:

    I'd like to see more viewers videos on the show - we've contributed so much, yet those with no internet access or computers can't share the full joy we can who have this technology at our disposal.
    Some of us have uploaded some incredible footage and it seems crazy not to share it more.

    But many thanks again for being there and proving that you are listening to us. It really makes all the difference.

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  • 6. At 08:38am on 19 Oct 2009, littlejojo61 wrote:

    Hi Tim

    Thanks for listening. Don't change anything else though, we all love the show. Thanks team.

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  • 7. At 11:46am on 19 Oct 2009, Toadletfan wrote:

    Thank you Mr Scoones,

    As Marcus said, many of us would watch the show regardless. Even so, the relationship between viewers and Autumn/Springwatch really does make it feel like our BBC!

    If it was, we'd have the programme on daily for at least eight weeks...

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  • 8. At 7:08pm on 19 Oct 2009, EnglishFolkfan wrote:

    Thank you for the update Tim,
    Really enjoying the new programme format and 8 week schedule of Autumnwatch. With so much info coming in on a daily basis via twitter, blogs, Flickr, videos, message boards it does allow us to keep in touch and yet have time to enjoy another life between the programmes!

    Fingers crossed the Springwatch programme schedule will also be allowed a half hour minimum for Unsprung.

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  • 9. At 07:14am on 20 Oct 2009, Copper_Beech wrote:

    PHEW! Well, at least Springwatch isn't changing!
    It just goes to show how much pople love this show that they'll really rant and rave about it, me included. (PLEASE less Martin!)

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  • 10. At 6:11pm on 20 Oct 2009, Tinysunflower wrote:

    Hi

    I had no problem with the times at all, especially with them also being shown Saturdays, on iplayer and i record them for the kids anyway. However i understand ppls views on it.
    As for the format of the show i agree that springwatch should be left alone too much can happen in a day to change that to a weekly thing ((ud need 3hr shows if they were weekly lol)) but i LOVE the new Autumn Format, it gives everyone a chance to contribute and presenters time to move around further and produce a better show.
    The other point id like to make with regards the format is that although i love both shows when they are on every night being a busy mum i dont always have time to sit down for a certain time everynight on the trott ((however with Springwatch i make a point of going on strike at 8pm)) so with this new Autumn format im more than ready with my glass of wine on a Friday evening!

    Thank you to all of u for the hard work u all do to give us this very interesting programe, one thats taught myself and my children alot over the yrs, i know on the boards the format sometimes comes under some ridicule but i for one think the "different than normal nature format" is what makes it the show it is and is what keeps my children tuning in yr after yr :D

    xxx

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  • 11. At 8:48pm on 20 Oct 2009, skylark451 wrote:

    Though I am a Springwatch addict I find the once a week for Autumnwatch means I don't feel anything like as much a 'bond' with the show.We all loved it before didn't we? Why has a problem suddenly been identified?

    -8pm was the perfect time.

    - It would be more appealing to me without Martin I'm afraid: when he's chattering on, with Chris & Kate just watching him, I just think 'What a waste!' (of them). I think his manner suits better for CBeebies.

    - I so agree that Springwatch in particular, with it's interactivity & friendliness, makes us feel 'this is our BBC'!

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  • 12. At 11:51pm on 21 Oct 2009, hrashley wrote:

    I've got news for Mr Scoones, on behalf of relatives and friends living in west Wales - who are treated like second class citizens by BBC Wales. On 30 October they will NOT be showing AutumnWatch live, they will not be showing it until 9.30 pm.

    A DISGRACE.

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  • 13. At 12:28pm on 22 Oct 2009, Jacqybee wrote:

    Great - that's a better time for the kids. They'll be especially keen to watch this week as we're sure we know what the 'slimy' trees are; surely they are really 'silky trees' and have been taken over by Ermine Moths. The caterpillars eat the leaves, then the larvae cover the trees in cocoons of silk, similar to giant spider webs, before the animals become moths. Spindle ermines weave silk webs to protect themselves from birds and wasps, allowing them to gorge on leaves for six weeks before transforming into butterflies.
    Eight species live in Britain and their webs can be seen throughout the country.
    Their favoured tree is the spindle - which is often used in car parks and for lining motorways. They can get carried away though and coat cars in the stuff. We had them in Manchester and watched them each day - the trees are ok now! Very spooky at the rime though!

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  • 14. At 2:47pm on 22 Oct 2009, LeLe65 wrote:

    Your show is fab what ever time it is on, more people might discover it now ! I think Martin is great, slightly ecsentric, full of fun, makes the show more of a conversation than a presentation.
    They all bounce off of each other in a really great way.Chris, Kate, Simon,and Martin (and Gordon), Thankyou, for being .... well... you. Lele

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  • 15. At 2:59pm on 22 Oct 2009, fluffy_duckling wrote:

    Just wanted to say I love the new format for Autumnwatch, its much better being able to follow the Red Deer Rut as it happens and I think it fits in perfectly with the spread of autumn as it happens, hope you keep it this way :-)

    Pleased springwatch will stay the same though....

    I think you have boths shows just right now! :-)

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  • 16. At 6:02pm on 22 Oct 2009, artisticMcMahons wrote:

    Our family have always been big fans of both Springwatch and Autumnwatch, loving the fact that for two weeks, our lives are taken over with following the lives of the animals, birds, and so on.

    It's such a shame that the new format doesn't work for our family - there tends to be something happening on a Friday that means we miss it - we would love to catch up on Saturday's repeat, but is it repeated anymore on Saturday? I've searched Saturday's listings in Radio Times for the last two weeks and can't see it anywhere!

    It may take a while for some people (like us!) to get used to this new format, and to feel as enthralled with the programme and its (wildlife) stars, as we have previously done for many years.

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  • 17. At 7:27pm on 22 Oct 2009, outdoorgirl15 wrote:

    I am very pleased that Autumn watch has taken on board their viewers comments and for being so flexible. I am sure it took a lot of planning to rearrange! I personaly had no issue with the 9pm slot but can understand other viewers feelings toward the later time. More importantly I love the new 8 week programmimg. I can't wait for Friday night to come along and agree that to see what autumn has to offer that this is the best way to broadcast for the season. Looking forward to tomorrow night for both Autumn Watch ans Unsprung!

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  • 18. At 11:05pm on 22 Oct 2009, philsyd wrote:

    Hi,
    This is for Chris Packham.,
    I was in the garden lunch time today Thursday 22nd & there was a Chiffchaff still singing in the trees near us.Is this the latest you have herd of.
    Also loads of Redwings flying over in the night time.
    Many thanks,
    Philip from Somerset.

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  • 19. At 10:32pm on 23 Oct 2009, ashleyhr wrote:

    So have BBC Two Wales - who have not shown a SINGLE episode of Unsprung live - yet broken the news to their hard-pressed viewers that they will NOT get Autumn Watch at 8.30 next week?! It is NO LONGER live for them, they will not even get it at 9.00 as now, they will have to wait until 9.30. England, Scotland, N Ireland - one step forward. Wales - one step BACKWARDS.

    See my discussion topic 'BBC Wales and Autumn Watch' if you agree this is a total disgrace (or if you are a rugby fan and think it's OK).

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  • 20. At 5:48pm on 24 Oct 2009, unhappy_gardener wrote:

    I was happy with the old time, it fitted in well with other programs. Why shift it earlier when its repeated early on a Saturday anyway?

    However I can see why you would want to move it earlier, its turned into the new Blue Peter. They will be adopting a dog next and showing off craft items that people have done. Whoops they already did that....

    Switched off last night - pretty boring in the end.

    MORE ANIMALS, BIRDS etc, LESS PEOPLE.....

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  • 21. At 2:30pm on 25 Oct 2009, sandsniper wrote:

    Hi to all the team,What's happened to saturday's unsprung?Has the beeb taken it away from us?Love autmunwatch and unsprung but feel sorry for those families with younger kids who will be missing out on such a good,informative programme.Keep up the good work.

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  • 22. At 4:53pm on 27 Oct 2009, chiffchafflady wrote:

    I am equally happy of the change of time as I tend to fall asleep in front of the TV from 9ish onwards- no disrespecct to you lot on the team - probably something to do with my glass of whisky at the end of a long day!!!

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  • 23. At 6:14pm on 30 Oct 2009, wild_adam wrote:

    im so glad that autumnwatch is earlier but in wales it starts at 9:30! and unsprung doesn't start until 11:35!!

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  • 24. At 10:19pm on 30 Oct 2009, dawdee wrote:

    Thank you Autumnwatch - I thoroughly enjoy all of your programme, when I get to see it all. Unfortunately for me the new timing means that I miss the beginning of your programme and I am not able to see the repeat the following day, which is too early. Sadly, as always, familys come first - could not the children watch the earlier timing on a Saturday, when they don't have to be at work (or school)? Some of us do have to earn a living and don't have the resources to take time out at this more accessable time. The later start meant that some of us were able to get quality tv at an hour when adult tv can be, dare I say it - "rubbish". Perhaps I should move to Wales, according to wild_adam's blog. Please keep the best parts of the programme for the end, so that I don't miss anything important! Ta!

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  • 25. At 10:32pm on 30 Oct 2009, dawdee wrote:

    I've just read all the other blogs and quite a lot of people have commented that they didn't mind the old timing?????????????

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  • 26. At 06:58am on 31 Oct 2009, Lornskidavison wrote:

    I think the new Autumn format is brilliant. Over eight weeks, we'll get to see so much more. Even in the space of a month the weather and environment have changed enormously (it was almost still summer at the end of September!)Plus, Autumnwatch crammed into only a short space of time? I kept missing it!

    Very much enjoying the whole thing. Thanks, Beeb.

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  • 27. At 11:13pm on 05 Nov 2009, ashleyhr wrote:

    Mr Scoones (and viewers with similar concerns to me): Please note that on Friday 13 Nov for viewers who have to watch BBC Two Wales there is NO AutumnWatch whatsoever. It has been excised from that evening's schedule. Completely removed. In favour of three hours of rugby and minority sports (as usual). AW fans in Wales will have to wait almost 24 hours to see both programmes. So much for audience participation /interactivity! This wouldn't matter so much if AW was a rubbish programme, but most of it is excellent.

    See my forthright comments at the message board thread 'BBC Wales cancels AW!' started earlier this evening. Plus any further comments made there by other viewers. As you will gather I'm pretty angry about all this and about the long-term attitude of BBC Wales in general - and I don't even live in Wales (though I'm partly Welsh)! There is no accountability and they totally ignore everyone who disagrees with them. They seem to formulate rigid 'four year plans' for all the future live rugby they are intent on showing in peaktime slots - regardless of what ordinary viewers might want to see. It's possible BBC Wales are being manipulated by the Welsh Rugby Union and perhaps members of the Assembly? (A north Wales MP I wrote to said that they have got Sky in order to watch BBC Two Eng when they want to.)

    As I've mentioned before, perhaps the main AW programme should be on BBC One at 8.30 on Fridays next time round (so Welsh viewers do not lose out week after week after week).

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  • 28. At 12:22pm on 13 Nov 2009, David John Pass wrote:

    In May last year I was at Portnalong on Skye as the Cuillins were in mist and I didn't go climbing. I saw 2 cuckoos perched on a telephone wire. One of them (the male?) had a small branch in its beak. Could this be the means of enticing the female even though cuckoos are parasitic birds? After all, bower birds go to a lot of trouble to make a structure with no practical advantage as far as raising young is concerned>

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