Channels Turn Down Big Brother

 

The announcement that Big Brother will end on Channel Four next year could see the reality television series switch networks as producers Endemol could take the programme elsewhere. However, several major channels have already ruled out bidding for the series.

It was announced earlier today that Channel Four will not renew its contract with Endemol next year meaning Big Brother will end on the terrestrial channel next year. This means that producers Endemol could take the reality television series to another broadcaster and, although advertising agencies claim the series is still a viable asset for any channel to have as it attracts the key youth audience; several major channels have ruled themselves out of bidding.

 

Channel Five, Sky and ITV2 have all ruled themselves out of the bidding with Five stating the series does fit in to the channels new remit. ITV had previously bid for the series in 2006 when the show still enjoyed strong ratings on Channel Four which saw the broadcaster up its bid against rivals ITV. However, several years on and declining ratings and several controversies later ITV have ruled themselves out of bidding for the series – budget cuts at ITV are probably another reason for ITV ruling themselves out.

 

It’s also highly unlikely that the BBC would bid for the contract as it would cause controversy amongst licence fee payers who may not be too happy about the corporation bidding for such a format. Other sources have indicated that several cable channels might try acquiring the series such as Living TV or Bravo.