Five goes funny
Channel's new push for comedy
Channel Five is to make its own comedy programmes for the first time.
The broadcaster has recruited experienced comedy producer Graham Smith to develop new sitcoms and sketch shows to try to make the schedules more distinctive.
It has previously considered comedy too expensive, given that its annual programming budget of £170 million is a lot smaller than BBC or Channel 4, and sitcoms have a high failure rate.
But now it has joined forces with the Paramount Comedy Channel in a joint production venture that will see shows shared across both channels.
Smith, whose track record includes Little Britain, Spaced and Harry Hill, has been poached from the BBC where he was working on Dom Joly's new series.
Five’s director of programmes Dan Chambers told Media Guardian: "Ever since I got this job I've been keen to increase the amount of comedy on the channel - it's a key way of making yourself truly distinctive from your rivals.”Published: 15 Jul 2004
