BBC - Commissioning - Entertainment on BBC Four

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Entertainment on BBC Four

• See all BBC Four briefs

 Controller: Mark Linsey

Overview

Entertainment on BBC Four delivers wit and levity to the schedule and, in particular, is the place where mainstream names can indulge their passions.

Great BBC Four programmes create real impact in the schedule and bring new viewers to the channel and so we remain receptive to ideas that promise to deliver genuinely intelligent, creative and enjoyable shows in tune with the values of the channel and audience.

The Audience

What connects the BBC Four audience is not age, wealth or place of origin but attitude, curiosity and passion. For them, television must compete with a host of other entertainment options & interests; TV is a way to stimulate themselves rather than a way of filling time. Rather than general TV browsing, they tend to come to the channel with a specific programme in mind. As a result, BBC Four audiences are engaged viewers.

Programmes can be rooted in what for other audiences would be pretty arcane subject matter (Asian cinema or cryptic crosswords) but ideas still need to be executed with ambition and scale, either through the use of mainstream or respected talent or through longer runs. Intelligence and wit are crucial. BBC Four has shown it can attract really diverse audiences - it's all about their attitude to life and their need for 'clever pleasure'.

Seasons in particular are a really powerful hook to bring new, broader audiences to the channel - entertainment can add a really important lightness of touch and wit to the season

What's been working well gallery

The Story of Musicals series has been highly appreciated by audiences.

Audiences enjoyed following Frank Skinner as he indulged his love of ukuleles in Frank Skinner on George Formby.

Victoria Coren's fiendish quiz, Only Connect, has established itself as a regular feature of Monday nights.

* There are currently no opportunities for new Entertainment on BBC Four. 

We will be revising this later in 2012 and will update any new information on this page and via the Commissioning website news feed as appropriate.

There are, however, currently Entertainment slots available for BBC One and BBC Three.

Do you have an Entertainment idea for one of the other BBC channels?

You can find information on the development priorities for BBC One and BBC Three on the Entertainment genre page. All proposals should be submitted via the e-commissioning system to the relevant genre controller or commissioner. Take a look at the Who's Who for the latest entertainment commissioning team contacts. 

Want to know more about the broader BBC Four service strategy?

If you would like to know more about Richard Klein’s BBC Four channel strategy, please visit the BBC Four page.