STUDIO: Picking a channel

In order for us to find the most appropriate broadcaster/time slot for our show I did some research on what each of the main channels are looking for in their commissions. (All information and quotes gathered from linked websites and accurate as of 18/01) 

BBC One popular factual and factual entertainment 

 Whilst I think our idea will be entertaining enough for BBC One, I do not think it will be suited to them in any other the way that the channel wants. They want opinionated programming, keen for talent with "clear opinion and provocation" which our production doesn't have and doesn't have need for. BBC One want "the biggest stories and the biggest names" and our show ticks neither boxes. Our production is an entertaining examination on the history of the circus, not the current affairs or social awareness that BBC One asks for. 

BBC Two popular factual and factual entertainment

 BBC Two seeks specialist content, "deep diving into worlds we may not know about" through entertaining formats. They want shows that "unlock traditional territories and allow us to access them in an entertaining way" which, I believe, our show is all about. Whilst historically the circus was a major event and stars were household names, popularity is nothing compared to what it used to be. We hope to bring that rich history and appeal back to a modern audience that gets involved, being entertained and educated. 
BBC Two offers two major time slots for factual entertainment commissions, 8pm and 9pm. Whereas the 8pm slot is typically for competitions, 9pm calls for ambitious entertainment "with bold premise, high jeopardy and unpredictability." With a focus on the "dynamics between generations", I think that by varying the generation of circus acts we show on different episodes and with a subject matter that entertains all ages our production fits perfectly into the requirements of a 9pm programme. 

ITV factual entertainment

 After ITV, (which was ruled out because of it's specification for "popular television from the biggest entertainment events" - which we feel unsuitable for a one-off series) ITV 2 was the only ITV channel specifying an interest in entertainment.  Being "familiar" and sentimental is "critical" to ITV's factual programming - circuses target people of all ages and have a wide sentimental appeal, with deep roots in British history and many circus elements (EG Clowns) being quite popular to many people, I think a show like The Big Top would appeal to an ITV audience. However, ITV also has a high demand for "familiar names" and series that have potential for run for a long time - unfortunately our show does not fit these boxes easily but could be adapted, perhaps to explore other aspects of british history that may have lost aspects of such widespread public appeal similar to the circus. I think The Big Top would sit best in the 8:30pm slot, just before watershed that asks for "great ambition and an emphasis on entertainment values."

FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT ON CHANNEL 4

 Wanting to be told something about the world is key to Channel 4, as is "scale and aim[ing] to grab viewers with their ambition ... warmth and humour." Warmth and humour will come naturally to a programme all about the circus, with entertaining acts, audience involvement and a little bit of learning along the way. However, much like BBC One, Channel 4 requires production that are perhaps more socially or culturally necessary than our production is. 

Overall, I think that our idea best fits BBC Two as far as content is concerned. I do worry that their demographic is older than ours, however the cross-channel advertising of the BBC (and online streaming services) means that specific audiences could be reached very easily.