Post by Bungle on Jul 12, 2006 11:51:02 GMT
Maybe... (in addition to BBC1 showings)
media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,,1818692,00.html
Neighbours in the evening might be genius, actually. In my fantasy world it would be a double bill of new and 'classic' episodes.
media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,,1818692,00.html
The BBC is planning to screen new episodes of Australian soap Neighbours on BBC3 in a fresh bid to boost the digital channel.
Episodes of the soap currently air twice daily on BBC1 at 1.40pm and 5.35pm but under plans being looked at by the BBC3 controller, Julian Bellamy, new episodes would air first on the digital channel.
BBC3 begins broadcasting at 7pm each night, so new episodes could be screened any time from then.
The channel already currently repeats the same day's episode of EastEnders on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at either 10pm or 10.30pm.
However, that move - which accounts for many of BBC3's top-rating shows - has previously been controversial, with critics claiming it is an easy way to boost the channel's ratings and profile. Screening Neighbours on BBC3 could lead to similar charges.
A BBC spokeswoman confirmed the plan was being looked into, but said no definite decision had yet been reached.
"There are lots of ideas being bounced around," she said. "We can't comment on any specifics being considered."
In an interview with MediaGuardian in April, Mr Bellamy - who replaced Stuart Murphy as BBC3 controller at the end of last year - said spin-offs from BBC1 would continue to play a part on his channel "where appropriate".
He added he wanted BBC3 to become "even more single-minded" about appealing to its target audience of 25- to 34-year olds.
"BBC3 should feel increasingly like a young entertainment channel," he said.
Neighbours, made by FremantleMedia-owned subsidiary Grundy, has been a stalwart of BBC1's schedule for over 20 years.
Even though ratings have declined from the heady days of storylines such as Scott and Charlene's wedding, the show still attracts nearly 3m viewers at 5.35pm.
Episodes of the soap currently air twice daily on BBC1 at 1.40pm and 5.35pm but under plans being looked at by the BBC3 controller, Julian Bellamy, new episodes would air first on the digital channel.
BBC3 begins broadcasting at 7pm each night, so new episodes could be screened any time from then.
The channel already currently repeats the same day's episode of EastEnders on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at either 10pm or 10.30pm.
However, that move - which accounts for many of BBC3's top-rating shows - has previously been controversial, with critics claiming it is an easy way to boost the channel's ratings and profile. Screening Neighbours on BBC3 could lead to similar charges.
A BBC spokeswoman confirmed the plan was being looked into, but said no definite decision had yet been reached.
"There are lots of ideas being bounced around," she said. "We can't comment on any specifics being considered."
In an interview with MediaGuardian in April, Mr Bellamy - who replaced Stuart Murphy as BBC3 controller at the end of last year - said spin-offs from BBC1 would continue to play a part on his channel "where appropriate".
He added he wanted BBC3 to become "even more single-minded" about appealing to its target audience of 25- to 34-year olds.
"BBC3 should feel increasingly like a young entertainment channel," he said.
Neighbours, made by FremantleMedia-owned subsidiary Grundy, has been a stalwart of BBC1's schedule for over 20 years.
Even though ratings have declined from the heady days of storylines such as Scott and Charlene's wedding, the show still attracts nearly 3m viewers at 5.35pm.
Neighbours in the evening might be genius, actually. In my fantasy world it would be a double bill of new and 'classic' episodes.
