[tellyblues]

Just because something is entertainment doesn’t make it unnecessary.

Aside from the fact that TV itself isn't really necessary and even a programme where its prime function is to educate and inform can be entertaining, entertainment is more expensive to make because of what and who's involved (as a general rule of thumb). When the BBC have cuts to make, those types of shows should go first, but it's likely the case that the BBC don't want to do this because of how many more people would stop paying the licence fee if these shows were axed.