Intelligent TV

davorg on 2002-05-01T22:10:35

When BBC 2 first started in the 1960s it was intended to be a channel that showed more "intellectual" programmes. I don't know how long that lasted, but a look at this week's schedule makes it obvious that the BBC aren't still sticking to that plan.

But recently, they launched a new digital channel called BBC 4 (don't ask what happened to BBC 3, it's far too complicated). BBC 4 picks up where BBC 2 left off and has been showing some of the most interesting programmes that I've seen for a long time. Some recent examples:

• Bjork live from the Royal Opera House
• The first showing of The Falklands Play (made by the BBC in 1987, but not shown until last month)
• Damon Albarn and a group of top musicians from Mali playing at the Barbican Hall
• An evening of programmes about England's finest folk singer - Martin Carthy
• And tonight a repeat of Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit, one of the best dramas that the BBC has ever made

Slowly but surely, my TV is spending more and more time tuned to BBC 4.