BBC poised to silence The Voice as ITV circles
Reports suggesting that the BBC is considering scrapping one of its most popular shows have surfaced with speculation mounting that the broadcaster may decide against commissioning a sixth series of popular Saturday night hit The Voice.
The Telegraph suggests that BBC executives are keen to avoid a bidding war for the format with commercial rivals ITV after splashing out £55m on the show thus far, paving the way for their rivals to snap up the rights in 2017.
Despite drawing audiences of 8m the show is facing the chop following a reduction in license fee income at the broadcaster, forcing it to reassess its priorities.
Critics have suggested that the BBC has exceeded its public service remit by splashing out on the rights against commercial rivals.
Such a move would come hot on the heels of the departure of Danny Cohen who sanctioned splashing out £22m to acquire the rights originally but quit yesterday ahead of the next swing of the spending axe.
A BBC spokesperson described the reports as ‘incorrect’ and insisted negotiations on the programmes future were ongoing.