BBC1 controller admits that there are too many male detectives on TV
There are too many male detectives on TV, according to the BBC1's new controller.
Speaking at the Broadcasting Press Guild Event, Danny Cohen said that there are not enough lead roles on TV for women and has highlighted the number of male detectives on his own channel on programmes such as Zen as being part of the programme.
To rectify this, Cohen has said that he hoped to ‘broaden’ the programmes being commissioned for BBC1 although it would continue with detective shows Sherlock and Wallander.
In response to the accusation that there are more roles on TV for men than woman, Cohen admitted that this was still an issue, but added that it was not just an issue for the BBC.
“It's an industry issue and I think there's a general feeling we need to get better at it. We need to make sure in many, many ways that the BBC and BBC One reflects the nation back to itself,” he said.
Cohen also admitted that the budget cuts being imposed across the BBC had yet to affect BBC One and that it was too early to say how they would.