The head of arts at BBC, Suzy Klein, has defended the corporation’s commitment to culture programming in response to criticism from David Dimbleby and Melvyn Bragg. Klein stated that there is a strong and passionate commitment to the arts at the BBC, supported by the 28,000 hours of arts and culture content produced each year.
Klein highlighted the new slate of programmes announced, including drama-documentaries, cultural history series, and films such as Renaissance: The Blood and the Beauty and The Last Musician of Auschwitz. She emphasized the importance of telling unique stories that only the BBC can tell, reaching a diverse audience that includes both young and older viewers.
In the current TV environment with a deluge of content, Klein acknowledged the challenges of attracting and retaining viewers. She emphasized the role of the BBC in bringing people together, especially after prolonged culture wars in the UK. Klein noted that with arts education declining in schools, the BBC plays a crucial role in enriching society and providing transformative experiences, as she experienced herself with a Mozart trio on the radio at a young age.
Overall, Klein reassured that the BBC is committed to producing high-quality arts and culture programming, reaching a wide audience and continuing to play a vital role in the cultural landscape of the UK.
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