Say it ain't so! BBC4 under threat? Someone stop this madness. Do we need to dumb down further? The intelligent programmes may be enjoyed by a minority, but isn't the answer to widen interest in challenging output? We're not talking 1970s OU broadcasts of bearded men in polo-necks chalking symbols on a blackboard (no offence, guys). This is lively, innovative, joyously un-mainstream stuff, from seasons on childhood through history to docu-dramas of popular icons such as Enid Blyton and Hattie Jacques, to name a few recent examples. Lets not forget importing the cream of international drama: Mad Men, Spiral, Wallander, The Killing.
The launch of the freeview channels, along with the digital radio stations, seemed like a new age in broadcast media, where increased viewer choice would offer entertainment and education without subscription. The advent of the iPlayer facility opened things out even further. It's naive to forget that television is a business and ratings matter. Nonetheless, the BBC has, so far, managed to fulfill its remit to inform, educate and entertain despite government opposition and enforced cuts.
We want to keep BBC4. Speak out or lose it forever.
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