Danny Cohen criticises ‘ghettoisation’ of broadcasting whilst defending ‘bold’ BBC Three axe
BBC director of television Danny Cohen has denied abandoning young people following moves to relegate BBC Three to an online-only platform.
Dismissing concern that younger viewers might desert the channel Cohen pointed out that ‘more young people watch BBC One than watch BBC Three.’
Speaking at Creative Week Cohen said: “The idea that young people are ghettoised and only watch BBC Three is ridiculous
“Of course it's got risks, and it's likely we'll lose some audience in the beginning because television is still so powerful. That's the risk you take when you make bold moves.
"It's the risk the BBC took in the nineties when it went online, and it's the risk it took in the noughties when it invested a lot of money in getting iPlayer launched.”
Campaigners have called on the BBC to re-think its plans for the channel with stars including Daniel Radcliffe and James Nesbitt arguing in its favour.