BBC should not overspend on shows such as Suits and Schitt's Creek, MPs say
A UK parliamentary committee has criticized the BBC for overspending on acquiring rights to overseas shows like 'Suits' and 'Schitt's Creek'. The report suggests the corporation should focus on value for money for licence fee payers rather than engaging in bidding wars with commercial rivals.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension regarding the BBC's funding model and its role in a competitive, modern streaming-dominated media landscape.
Image source, BBC/Not A Real Company 2 Productions Image caption, Schitt's Creek was snapped up by the BBC after the comedy series left Netflix
The BBC should not pay "over the odds" for the rights to overseas hits such as Suits and Schitt's Creek, an influential group of MPs has said.
It is one of several issues raised in a wide-ranging report about the BBC's funding and future, published by the House of Commons' cross-party culture and media committee.
Although the BBC produces a lot of its own programmes, the corporation buys some international shows for its TV channels and iPlayer streaming platform.
The MPs' report said the BBC could "spend more wisely when competing for programming". Overall, the BBC brings "immeasurable benefits" to society but needs reform of the TV licence fee to avoid a fate of "managed decline", they said.
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