2012 'perhaps the biggest year' in BBC One's history, controller Danny Cohen claims
BBC One controller Danny Cohen has described 2012 as ‘perhaps the biggest’ year in the channel’s history with the Olympic games in London and the European Championships, as well as the Queen’s Diamond jubilee celebrations all to be broadcast.
Posting a blog on the BBC website, Cohen said that he was excited about the role that BBC One would play in the events and that he wanted 2012 to be remembers as ‘one of the most special years’ in the channel’s history.
“The last few months on BBC One have delivered quality and impact in a way audiences have really appreciated,” explained Cohen. “Frozen Planet has proved to be one of the most successful and loved series of the last decade, Strictly Come Dancing had a stellar year, and Great Expectations enjoyed great acclaim over the Christmas period. 2012 has also started brightly with Call The Midwife gaining the largest audience for a drama launch on BBC One in the last five years.
“It is our job now to maintain that momentum,” he added.
Cohen revealed that a ‘refreshment’ of the channel’s drama offer would be implemented with over 20 new programmes set to be broadcast this year.
“This is an unprecedented injection of fresh energy and creativity in to BBC One's drama output, and reflects Ben Stephenson and my desire to offer audiences the most vibrant and original home-grown drama in Britain.”
He also revealed that a range of Factual projects would aim to “stimulate and delight” audiences, with a new project ‘Planet Earth Live’ set to offer the story of animals around the world during breeding season, while Jeremy Paxman will front history series ‘Paxman’s Empire’ and new documentaries will run over two seasons.
Strictly Come Dancing will return in the autumn, while talent series ‘The Voice, will also launch.
“Our aim is to deliver something for everyone - and to make the good popular, and the popular good,” Cohen concluded.