Save BBC Four from closure

Save BBC Four from closure

Started
14 May 2020
Signatures: 78,700Next Goal: 150,000
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Why this petition matters

Started by Sarah Gibbons

There is a report in today’s Daily Telegraph and strong rumours that the BBC has plans to close BBC Four. I think this would be very sad a terrible move. BBC Four is one of the best things about the BBC and has programmes that you can’t find anywhere else.

I know that in the middle of the covid-19 crisis, it seems trivial to start or even sign a petition in support of a TV channel, but I think we need to ask what sort of society and culture we want once it’s over. I want to be able to access a wide range of culture and information from a trusted broadcaster. TV should not just be about fast-moving, short attention span, and on the surface content. Entertain yes – sometimes, but serious thoughtful programmes are also essential.


BBC Four has been a great support during the lockdown. As well as broadcasting a wide range of interesting and unique programmes to keep us all going, it has been supporting GCSE and A level students with its weekday 8pm slot with history and science content, such as A History of England with Michael Wood, and Pain, Pus and Poison with Michael Mosley. Also, one of the best adaptations of Pride and Prejudice for English Literature students.


Many people have commented on Twitter what they like most about BBC Four, such as the Scandi dramas on a Saturday evening or music programmes of all kinds, from vintage Top of the Pops to Young Musician of the Year.


I like the history and science programmes that cover topics in more depth, less dumbed down and a slower pace. Last week I started watching the series Science and Islam with Jim Al-Khalili which is about how Islamic countries forwarded human progress while Europe was struggling in the so-called dark ages. I’ve also enjoyed watching the Renaissance Unchained with Waldemar Januszczak and I’m looking forward to a new series of Britain’s Lost Masterpieces with Bendor Grosvenor and Jackie Klein.


BBC Four fulfils the BBC’s aims to Inform, Educate and Entertain unlike any other TV channel. Programmes such as Only Connect started on BBC Four and would probably would not have been commissioned at all without it.

Please sign this petition if you love (or even just like) BBC Four, and watch it as much as you can so the BBC are discouraged from closing it down. Use social media to say what you’re watching and why you like BBC Four. Share and Retweet so your friends and followers can sign the petition too.


If you use Twitter, please use the hashtag #LoveBBCFour.


BBC – Please don’t close BBC Four. Lots of people love it and its worth the licence fee just by itself.

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Signatures: 78,700Next Goal: 150,000
Support now
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