ITV hits out at BBC’s ‘aggressive’ commercial business model
ITV has hit out at the BBC’s commercial business model, arguing that the broadcaster is prioritising ratings via shows such as Escape to the Country and Flog It! Rather than commission new content.
The attack follows an incident whereby the BBC had to reschedule a high-profile programme so as to avoid causing ‘serious commercial damage’ to its private sector rival.
Writing to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s inquiry on the future of the BBC ITV said: “We welcome competition, but what we find difficult are situations where the BBC seems to merely copy the commercial strategies of competitors purely to gain audience share, while at the same time enjoying the certainty of a guaranteed licence fee income.
“The BBC’s pursuit of audience share regardless of distinctiveness or innovation has been evident where the BBC has rushed to commission or produce almost identical programmes to those by ITV.”
ITV also argued against creation of a BBC+1 catch-up service arguing that it would deliver no public value.