Reality leaves arts losers

TV broadcasters were accused of dumbing down today by squeezing arts and educational programmes in favour of reality shows and soap operas.

Television regulator Ofcom, publishing its most extensive survey of viewing habits, said viewers believe there is "lack of innovation and originality" on terrestrial channels. However, they value soaps for their depiction of social issues.

The survey of more than 6,000 people found that among 16-34 year-olds, the main five channels only accounted for 69 per cent of viewing time. For ethnic minorities, the audience share for BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five was only 56 per cent.

Viewers are deserting the main channels in favour of digital stations. But these channels are not obliged to offer the same balance of entertainment with arts, news and educational programmes.

Between 1998 and last year, spending on programmes on the five main channels increased by eight per cent, with money for drama and news increasing.

But the report shows that spending on arts, children's, religious and educational programmes all fell as the channels went for ratings winners including soaps such as Coronation Street and EastEnders.

There was also an increase in reality shows with Big Brother, Fame Academy, Pop Idol and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, while arts and current affairs have been relegated to slots away from the peak time.

Ofcom says: "Specialist programmes on topics such as arts and current affairs were pushed to the edges of peak viewing hours." According to its research, viewing figures for programmes such as Newsnight, Horizon and The South Bank Show have slumped.

Ed Richards, the Ofcom senior partner leading the review, said: "Viewers have made it clear that public service broadcasting matters. But there are real issues to overcome, today and in the future. Public service broadcasting will only be sustainable if it produces challenging and popular programming which reaches a significant audience in the digital age."

Viewers also believe TV bosses are not doing enough to protect children from watching harmful material. Ofcom called on broadcasters to give "a detailed evaluation of how to guarantee a safe environment for younger viewers".