BBC drama boss Lindsay Salt recently spoke about the current state of the TV industry, noting that we have transitioned from the era of “peak TV” to “peak caution.” This shift represents a move towards risk aversion and safe bets, as financial pressures and commercial imperatives push buyers to play it safe when commissioning new shows. Salt emphasized the impact of factors such as inflation, content and platform saturation, retrenchment, and the writers’ strike in contributing to this environment of caution. This marks a stark contrast to the adventurous spirit of just five years ago, where bold choices and experimentation were more prevalent in the industry.
Salt’s observations about the industry reflect a growing trend towards risk aversion and a reluctance to take chances on innovative and unorthodox content. She highlighted the importance of the BBC as a beacon in this era of caution, urging producers and creatives to push boundaries and venture into the creative unknown. Salt’s vision for the future includes a record of risk-taking that will help reshape the drama landscape at a critical time. This call to action challenges industry stakeholders to embrace real risk-taking as a leap of faith, emphasizing the BBC’s role in leading the charge towards bold and daring content creation.
One of Salt’s key priorities for drama is redefining British “state of the nation drama” by moving away from traditional and outdated narratives towards more playful and messy storytelling. She cited examples like “I May Destroy You” and “This is Going to Hurt” as alternative representations of the genre, alongside more classic shows like “Our Friends in the North.” Salt’s focus on character development and empathy aims to unearth the next generation of iconic characters, shifting the industry’s focus away from flashy concepts towards deeper and more nuanced characterization. This commitment to creating compelling and relatable characters sets a high bar for future content creators.
A Vision for the Future
Salt’s vision for the future of drama is centered around three key priorities: currency, character, and empathy. By emphasizing the need for work that feels alive and interrogates the present, Salt is challenging the industry to produce content that is relevant and engaging. Her focus on redefining state of the nation drama and creating iconic characters signals a departure from the status quo towards more innovative and meaningful storytelling. Salt’s ambitious goals for reshaping the drama landscape require a bold and daring approach that pushes boundaries and defies conventional expectations.
Lindsay Salt’s vision for the future of the TV industry is a bold and ambitious one. By challenging the prevailing culture of caution and advocating for risk-taking and innovation, Salt is positioning the BBC as a trailblazer in shaping the drama landscape. Her emphasis on character development, empathy, and relevance underscores the importance of creating content that resonates with audiences and stands the test of time. As the industry continues to evolve, Salt’s visionary approach offers a roadmap for meaningful and impactful storytelling that transcends traditional boundaries.