BBC has far greater variety of factual programming than Netflix, says executive

The chief content officer of the BBC has said the power the corporation has to reach millions is “far greater” than people realise, in a direct comparison with Netflix.

Charlotte Moore, 53, also said the corporation has a much more “factual programming” than the streaming giant.

Speaking about the BBC, Ms Moore told the Radio Times: “I think we have to make sure it is indispensable, or should be indispensable, because of the distinctive, British stories that it tells. Because of the very best journalism from the UK. Because it’s trying to be relevant to a British audience.

“We know that audiences really want to understand and know the world.

“In its first 30 days, 12 million people watched The Tourist (on the BBC), that’s twice as big as the largest show, Stay Close, on Netflix.

“The power that the BBC has to reach millions of people is far greater than we perhaps realise.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries previously announced that the BBC licence fee would be frozen for the next two years and said she wanted to find a new funding model for the broadcaster after the licence fee funding deal expires in 2027.

Ms Moore said: “I really think right now that the BBC is proving its worth. I think we did that during Covid-19.

“There are these moments when there is a real feeling that we’ve never needed a public service broadcaster more, to inform and educate and entertain and to bring the nation together.”

The broadcaster recently brought BBC Three back to TV screens as a linear channel after it ceased operations in 2016 and was replaced by an online-only version on iPlayer.

Speaking about the corporation’s attempt to retain a younger audience, Ms Moore added: “It’s really incumbent on us to make sure that we are relevant to their lives, which is why we’ve increased our spend on BBC Three.

“It’s been a good start, but we’ve got a long way to go.

“We’re a universal broadcaster. Making sure that we have something for everybody is really important. It’s part of our DNA.

“It’s really important that we serve our audience that has loved us for many years , but it’s really important that we create the next generation of people who can love and value the BBC.”

Ms Moore said the recent departures of Andrew Marr, Jon Sopel and Emily Maitlis from the BBC provide a “great opportunity for the next generation”.

She also revealed that four BBC hit dramas are returning for a second series, including Martin Freeman’s The Responder and Suranne Jones in Vigil.

Jamie Dornan in The Tourist and Time have also been renewed, she said.