More ‘British’ TV? What do they mean?

Some really childish comments around.

* dire. Thanks auto correct.

We enjoy all sorts of TV. Lately we've been watching Turkish historical dramas with subtitles, I don't know what it is but they're quite compelling. Although I live in Flanders (Belgium) and speak the language we rarely watch their TV. We just don't like it very much even though DH is flemish.

Why did the government say that? Were they referring to more TV stations or more output? I find UK sitcoms fire these days tbh. I think the 'woke' thing will affect future TV shows and not in a good way. It's already happening, especially in films. Bending history to a woke agenda drives me mad. The Turkish shows include very strong female roles surprisingly.

More British drama hopefully.?

Just realised that PSB is Public Service Broadcasting. Alegrias1 is just right. What the government intend is as clear as mud.

PSB already have guidance or charters for their output so I wonder what our so called betters are really laying the groundwork for?

Public service broadcasting ??

Alegrias1

I went to find the transcript of the speech. I do it so you don't have to

Some highlights:

Britishness is, of course, a nebulous concept ... The sort of things we’ve all grown up with. Only Fools and Horses, Dad’s Army, Carry On. (I kid you not)

I’m not talking about waving union flags and a picture of the Queen in every scene. (sorry growstuff, your Eastenders theory is gone for a burton)

That’s why we plan to legislate as soon as possible, and make it a legal requirement that major online platforms must carry PSB content, and that they must ensure that it’s easy to find. (Isn’t that Government control of the media? That can’t be good.)

So there we go. Clear as mud.

www.gov.uk/government/speeches/john-whittingdales-speech-to-the-rts-cambridge-convention-2021

What is PSB contents please?

Many of the modern dramas suit me fine just as I like oldies too which is why I have BritBox.

David Olusoga is a particular hero of mine. I’d like more inclusive documentaries that give an alternative view of our colonial past. I don’t think the government will legislate on that anytime soon!

Bring back “Watch With Mother”. Especially Rag, Tag and Bobtail.

Well Eloethan I think it's time you started watching EastEnders again. Too many people write it off without actually watching it. Lots of likeable and interesting characters in it.

I live in East London and have done so for 33 years. I think Eastenders gives a very stereotypical and, in my view, insulting view of the East End and its people. No doubt there are some dodgy people and some very unpleasant characters but most of the people I know here - whatever their occupation or income level - are decent, friendly people. Eastenders is so miserable and the majority of characters so duplicitous, avaracious and unprincipled - just thoroughly unlikeable - that it beats me why anyone watches it. (I used to years ago but got sick of all the hystrionics and stopped watching).

I enjoy UK-based/themed drama, such as Call the Midwife, All Creatures Great and Small, Dad's Army, Vera, Endeavour, etc, etc, etc. but I question the agenda behind the demand for more British programmes. Is it meant to demonstrate patriotism or something - quite a common theme these days? As ayse says, some British themed programmes might not meet that agenda - The Jewel in the Crown showing the wickedness of colonialism, etc. Perhaps we should give that another airing on the BBC.

Alegrias1

Careful MayBee70, you can't go praising other countries. Someone will be along in a minute to tell you you're not patriotic.

But the Australians are our besties now, along with the Americans. Till we fall out with them, that is….

I think all the soaps tackle difficult subjects. I don’t actually watch them these days but I used to watch Brookside which once tackled an issue which I had been dealing with in my own life at the time. Had it not been I would have thought it far fetched but totally related to it.

Parsley3

halfpint1

Parsley3

We already have long standing programmes that celebrate the everyday lives of British folk... Corrie, Eastenders, River City for starters. What more do they want?

Really? They represent real life, crikey, is it that dire in England?

Of course they don’t represent real life. Have you ever watched a soap?

My part of East London isn't far off Albert Square, and people do speak like that! Also wads of £50 notes do get handed over.
To be fair the writers of Enders tackle lots of gritty subject matter as well as relevant issues in the community.

Must admit enjoyed Mystic River, from Australia. Also enjoy crime from Iceland etc. Was delighted though when many British actors and programmes succeeded at the EMMY awards..

halfpint1

Parsley3

We already have long standing programmes that celebrate the everyday lives of British folk... Corrie, Eastenders, River City for starters. What more do they want?

Really? They represent real life, crikey, is it that dire in England?

Of course they don’t represent real life. Have you ever watched a soap?

Lucca

Josianne

Just a few:
Vos Objets Ont Une Histoire, based onAntiques Roadshow,Cousu Main, based upon ourSewing Bee,Danse Avec Les Stars, The Weakest Link or le Maillon Faible, Le Meilleur Pâtissier, The Great British Bake Off. Not to mention Morse, Midsommer Murders, Broadchurch, Deal or No Deal all of which show in France.
I think The Crystal Maze might have been a French production.

Agree Britain leads the way in TV, but you said “in the arts”.

Yes, slip of the tongue and I corrected myself earlier I believe.
British TV is a master at portraying the Arts from around the world, all of which are equally important.
I think our own home grown treasures instill a feeling of pride and further afield they offer a window into our diverse culture.

Parsley3

We already have long standing programmes that celebrate the everyday lives of British folk... Corrie, Eastenders, River City for starters. What more do they want?

Really? They represent real life, crikey, is it that dire in England?

Careful MayBee70, you can't go praising other countries. Someone will be along in a minute to tell you you're not patriotic.

I don’t know about tv but I saw a programme on BBC 4 about Australian film which has been truly groundbreaking over the years.

I’d say British tv is the best in the world. Leaves American trash for dead and also most Australian. Sometimes the Canadians and Irish have good shows but, yes, British is Best.

JaneJudge

I call the new culture secretary Mrs Yogurt

.?

JenniferEccles

I have noticed that those of a politically Left-leaning persuasion, are less likely to be patriotic, continually knocking anything and everything British.

The evidence is clear on here.

Not this again. I support British sportspeople. I think our countryside is beautiful and I think British tv has been second to none but don’t want some political nonsense rule coming in to dictate how programmes are made.
“Britishness” ?? What is that exactly ? It’s a million different things.

Josianne

Just a few:
Vos Objets Ont Une Histoire, based onAntiques Roadshow,Cousu Main, based upon ourSewing Bee,Danse Avec Les Stars, The Weakest Link or le Maillon Faible, Le Meilleur Pâtissier, The Great British Bake Off. Not to mention Morse, Midsommer Murders, Broadchurch, Deal or No Deal all of which show in France.
I think The Crystal Maze might have been a French production.

Agree Britain leads the way in TV, but you said “in the arts”.

I went to find the transcript of the speech. I do it so you don't have to

Some highlights:

Britishness is, of course, a nebulous concept ... The sort of things we’ve all grown up with. Only Fools and Horses, Dad’s Army, Carry On. (I kid you not)

I’m not talking about waving union flags and a picture of the Queen in every scene. (sorry growstuff, your Eastenders theory is gone for a burton)

That’s why we plan to legislate as soon as possible, and make it a legal requirement that major online platforms must carry PSB content, and that they must ensure that it’s easy to find. (Isn’t that Government control of the media? That can’t be good.)

So there we go. Clear as mud.

www.gov.uk/government/speeches/john-whittingdales-speech-to-the-rts-cambridge-convention-2021

Namsnanny

ayse

Just wondering what our ridiculous government are proposing. What is ‘British’ TV?

I admit to liking old fashioned detective dramas such as Midsommer Murders, Vera etc. and modern ones like Line of Duty. Costume drama is another favourite. I’d definitely like more home grown TV rather than loads of USA imports.

Just been watching Jewel in the Crown for the first time. What an indictment of British rule in India. Perhaps we will see more programmes about the iniquities of British rule elsewhere in the world and the appalling treatment both ancient and modern inflicted on the poorest in our society? Somehow I doubt that.

So what do the government mean?

I admit to liking old fashioned detective drama like Midsomer Murders, Vera etc, and modern ones like Line of Duty. Costume drama is another favourite.*I'd definitely like more home grown tv rather than loads of USA imports*

It sounds as if you represent the people the statement was aimed at ayse

I like all of the above too. I do find programs from most other countries just as good at times though.

I too enjoy TV made by others than the Brits. The Bridge was particularly enjoyable as are many Scandi dramas, especially on Ch.4. I prefer slower more thoughtful TV although GOT was very gripping but rather gory and overdone in places.

I genuinely don’t understand what the government is intending with their statement and was hoping that others might have some idea exactly what they meant. These days we have a huge selection of viewing, to suit most tastes so what is there to grumble about?