Promise to seek out new talent

The corporation has today published its Statements of Programme Policy, which detail exactly how each BBC channel will fulfil its public service remit in the year ahead.

And comedy is at the core of the plans for BBCs One, Two and Three.

One of the four key aims for the flagship channel is to find ‘new home-grown comedy that appeals to the mainstream’.

The document said: ‘In an environment where other channels increasingly invest in comedy from outside the UK, BBC One is committed to supporting home-grown talent. Examples this year include award-winning comic Omid Djalili's first UK television series.’

BBC Two has only two priorities - to increase its appeal to under-45s and to focus on innovation in comedy by developing new sitcoms, comedy formats and sketch shows with mainstream potential.’

Finally, BBC Three has vowed to ‘continue to invest in new and emerging UK comedy content and performers - such as Karen Taylor - and give them room to experiment and take risks’.

Radio Two has also made a commitment to new comedy talent, where it has previously preferred to stick with established names.

Its policy statement vowed to ‘build upon the success of the Out to Lunch comedy series by commissioning further series and spin-offs for outstanding new talent’.

It added: ‘We will act in partnership with BBC Television wherever possible. Radio 2 is key to the support and development of new comedy formats, writing and performance within the BBC portfolio. Working with BBC Television will ensure that the results of this creativity are brought to the largest available audience.’

Statements for Radio Four and BBC 7 mention comedy, but make no new commitments to the genre.

The BBC is bound by law to release these policy documents every year, identifying what it plans to do to meet its public service remit.

Published: 25 Apr 2007