Media News
Big Brother to be axed next year
Wednesday 26 August 2009
The broadcaster will end the programme, for which ratings have plummeted for its current series, after screening the 11th series of the "reality" show in 2010.
It is understood Channel 4 has decided not to renew its deal with programme-maker Endemol for Big Brother, which has been a huge revenue-driver for the channel.
Channel 4 has a three-year deal with Endemol, thought to be worth around £180 million, to screen the series.
There will also be one more series of 'Celebrity Big Brother' early next year before the deal ends.
Channel 4's director of television Kevin Lygo said the decision not to recommission 'Big Brother' was a creative rather than commercial one.
He said it had reached a "natural end".
Mr Lygo explained: "Big Brother is still profitable for Channel 4 despite its reduced popularity and there could have been the option to renew it on more favourable terms.
"That's what a purely commercial broadcaster would have done, but Channel 4 has a public remit to champion new forms of creativity.
"That remit to push the boundaries has been an essential part of the weird chemistry behind 'Big Brother's success, but it's now what is telling us that the programme has reached a natural end point on Channel 4 and it's time to move on."
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