08-08-2023, 10:15 AM
(08-08-2023, 03:39 AM)ViridianFan Wrote: You can see on here that there are those of us who want/expect more UK focus and those of us who think there is already far too much UK news and it needs a reducing ultimately meaning that the new channel is ultimately meeting no one’s expectations.Certainly, the wing-it/half-and-half editorial approach they've gone for has meant that it isn't really one thing or the other and thus falls short for both audiences - even if a widespread abandoning of the channel has thankfully not materialised. There are obviously different perspectives and I appreciate the PSB arguments, but, for more UK content, you need more money and the only source I can reasonably see it coming from is through commercial profitability - which obviously requires a more World-focussed programme.
With the 'breakout streams', I have similarly been pleasantly surprised with their frequency and feel they're reasonably decent for what they are. I do certainly agree, though, that when they are being broadcast on the channel as a UK opt-out, more thought should be given as to the fact they are replacing standard programming and that some additional structure would help.
Broadly, I think that news summaries as you suggest would really help across the channel, particularly with programmes like The Context. Ditch the headlines and instead start each half-hour with a 3-5 minute news summary, like Breakfast or News 24 at the BOTH in the early-2000s, and it would make the fact that you are only talking about three stories for the rest of the half-hour stick out less. I think there is a tendency to forget that the two main reasons people watch news channels is to a) catch-up on news when network bulletins aren't on or b) watch a developing/breaking story unfold. At the minute, if you just flick on for a typical 20 minutes, you just aren't going to really get caught up with the news.