Friday, September 30, 2011
I have just returned from a short vacation to North Wales. The caravan was excellent, views spectacular, and I had breakfast in Rhyl on Wednesday (a lovely cafe called snax, Wellington Road). It was just the break I needed! However, upon my return, I learn that Doctor Who Confidential has been axed. A shame. Since 2005 this fabulous documentary series has informed, entertained and kept us involved with the productions, script writing, and general behind-the-scenes madness, each episode an invaluable insight into how a fantastic series such as Doctor Who is put together.
I suppose we should be thankful that it isn't the show itself that is facing the chop. But, with such a large fanbase and plenty of enthusiasm for everything Who, how many of you were shocked by the news that DW:C is to vanish from our screens? Quite frankly it isn't that long ago since someone said to me on Facebook: “They [BBC] won't axe Doctor Who Confidential, it's too popular!”
But producer Zoe Rushton had confirmed via her Twitter status by linking to the article on the www.guardian.co.uk website: Doctor Who Confidential axed by BBC.
No longer a priority for the corporation?According to the newspaper, Doctor Who Confidential has been axed to pave the way for “original commissions in post-watershed time slots.”
BBC controller Zai Bennett says:
It's about focusing my budget on 9pm and 10.30pm; those are the time slots that count. Budgets are tight, so we have to be sensible with the money we have.
More will be announced regarding the BBC's cost-cutting strategy on 6th October 2011. We have been told that BBC Three is likely to air repeats of BBC1 shows between its 7pm to 9pm time slots; let's just hope that the corporation doesn't change the name to BBC1+1 and decide that 'repeats' are simply the best way forward to engage in productive cost-cutting!
Similar concerns have surrounded popular channel BBC Four, which launched in 2002. Many have stated that this channel, famous for its arts and music programmes, needs to be protected from cancellation, or a drastic revamp. There is absolutely no doubt that the BBC needs to cut costs, but at the expense of valuable television?
Corrie: The Road to Coronation StreetPersonally I have enjoyed such engaging shows on BBC Four as Corrie: The Road to Coronation Street, The Curse of Steptoe (though highly controversial and accused of being inaccurate), Fantabulosa (drama surrounding the life of troubled Carry On comedian Kenneth Williams), and repeats of Sykes (British sitcom starring Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques) and Juliet Bravo.
If cost-cutting is required then why not repeat Classic Doctor Who from the very beginning on BBC Four - or would that affect the corporation's DVD sales? And just what does the future hold in store for our favourite Time Lord? If DW:C can succumb to the unthinkable...
Would you like an opportunity to spread the word and let your voice be heard? Go on over to petitionbuzz.com and join the 20,208 signatures currently visible - the number is growing all the time!
Save Doctor Who Confidential!
Posted in: Alwyn Ash
