BBC Daytime to focus on consumer affairs programming

The BBC has announced a new batch of programming for BBC One Daytime, focusing on consumer affairs.

“Over the last year BBC Daytime has increased its current, social and consumer affairs output by around 140 per cent and these four new titles continue our commitment to bringing viewers even more consumer programmes over the next 12 months” – Controller of BBC Daytime Liam Keenan

BBC One during the daytime usually beats ITV 1 in the ratings and it’s hoped that a new batch of programming which doesn’t feature houses or antiques will be able to keep up that trend.

Four new programmes will air this year tackling consumer issues across the UK.
Britain’s Killer Roads, You’ve Been Scammed, Dirty Tricks Of The Tradesmen and The Food Fighters will tackle a number of topical issues. The BBC have also said that they are looking at introducing more programmes like those mentioned over this year.
Controller of BBC Daytime Liam Keenan has said that they have already increased output in this area by around 140%.

“The new series will cover a wide range of topical issues from dangerous roads to food safety and I’m delighted to have commissioned them.” – Controller of BBC Daytime Liam Keenan

The BBC since the arrival of ITV’s This Morning in 1988 have often struggled to match or overtake the magazine show in the ratings. A spell in the early to mid-90s saw their rival show Good Morning edge ahead but a lack of commitment by the Beeb saw the show falter and finally meet its end after only several years on air.

Other failed formats include Open Air and Daytime Live. A revival of 1970s and 80s chat show Pebble Mill at One – branded simply Pebble Mill, named after the famous Birmingham Studios – airing just after noon proved more successful for BBC One in the 90s. It wasn’t until the 2000s when new formats and a mix of content  -and to be fair the departure of This Morning hosts Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan – saw the Beeb overtake ITV Daytime’s viewing figures.