Grade to axe 'cynical' shows

The BBC today unveiled a vision for the next decade including a pledge to drive the digital TV revolution to ensure everyone in Britain is switched on by 2012, and to axe "cynical" programmes.

New chairman Michael Grade also outlined sweeping reforms of the governance of the BBC - and delivered a stiff warning to commercial TV regular Ofcom to keep its hands off the corporation.

He promised to "eliminate derivative and cynical programmes" and called for the licence fee to continue in its present form, but with its level set by an independent body.

Programmes such as the Big Read and the D-Day coverage and dramatisation were praised and the BBC said it would also continue to revive drama and comedy and make up to eight feature films a year.

The pledge to axe downmarket shows will be welcomed by those who accuse the BBC of dumbing down, and could spell the end for reality shows such as Fame Academy and The Weakest Link.

The radical proposals contained in Building Public Value make up BBC bosses' bid to secure a renewal of its 10-year charter by the Government in 2006 on favourable terms.

Mr Grade, launching his ninepoint manifesto today, said: "The status quo is not an option. Our task over the next year is to convince the British public that the BBC's role in the new digital age of plenty is both justified and necessary.

"I want a BBC that delivers wonderful programmes that offer something of value to everyone."

Mr Grade and new directorgeneral-Mark Thompson are aware of critics who say the corporation is out of control. The BBC has 10 TV channels including its digital portfolio, but today's report says there are no plans to launch new TV or radio channels.

The BBC also plans to reform its governors in an attempt to prove it has learned the lessons of the Hutton Report, which led to the resignation of former chairman Gavyn Davies and director-general Greg Dyke.

Lord Hutton criticised the governors for their response to Andrew Gilligan's report on Today about the Government's Iraqi weapons dossier.

Today's report says the BBC governors will in future be supported by an expert governance unit separate from senior management. They will also use external advisers to carry out a series of independent reviews into BBC services.

Mr Grade said: "Governance is about stewardship. Stewardship of the money. This is the difference between the BBC governors and Ofcom. Ofcom has no responsibility for anybody's money."

Mr Thompson added: "An economist might conclude the BBC has an important role in preventing various kinds of market failure in the new digital world. Our vision is far bolder. We look forward to a future where the public have access to a treasure house of digital content."

Mr Grade even suggested the BBC, established under a royal charter, could change its status to a mutual society or trust.