Budget squeeze affects commissioning

The BBC will be forced to axe some of its comedy hits because of budget cuts, a senior executive has admitted.

Comedy commissioning controller Cheryl Taylor admits she already turns down ‘great scripts and performers’ because there aren’t enough slots on air – and thinks the situation will get worst.

The corporation has 33 TV comedy series across its four channels, but using the politicians’ favourite phrase of ‘making some tough decisions’, Taylor says some will have to go.

In an interview with trade magazine Broadcast, she said: ‘BBC Two in particular has had a gobsmacking year, but that leaves us with a problem - albeit a nice one.

‘I’m looking at that list of hits from last year, thinking “Which do you not give a second chance to?” We are in an enviable position in terms of plaudits, but an unenviable position of having to make some tough decisions.’

Taylor said the first decisions on cuts would be made in the next fortnight.

The BBC this week denied reports that Harry And Paul was facing the axe.

Published: 27 Jan 2011