BBC cancels Autumnwatch to ‘focus our resources on content that has the greatest impact’

the BBC has canceled seasonal wildlife program Autumnwatch amid “financially difficult occasions” – simply days after Chris Packham mentioned he was taking a break from TV work.

In an announcement launched this afternoon, the broadcaster mentioned it will make investments more cash in itss as an alternative Sister programs Springwatch and Winterwatch.

Springwatch will return for 3 weeks in Could, whereas Winterwatch shall be lowered to a single week when it airs once more subsequent yr.

A BBC spokesman mentioned: “These are difficult occasions financially and we have to make troublesome choices and focus our assets on content material that can have the best influence.

“Sadly, because of this Autumnwatch is not going to proceed. As a substitute, we’re investing more cash into Springwatch and Winterwatch as a result of they’re the preferred with audiences.

Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Gillian Burke collectively on the set of BBC’s Autumnwatch

“We’re extremely happy with the Watches and want to thank the presenters and manufacturing staff who will proceed Springwatch for 3 weeks when it returns in Could and Winterwatch for per week lowered from two weeks when it returns subsequent yr.”

It comes simply days after presenter Chris Packham introduced he shall be canceling all tv work for the following three months after feeling fully “burned out”.

The 61-year-old wildlife presenter mentioned he was taking a break from the digital camera for the primary time in nearly 4 a long time as a result of it felt like he was consistently strolling on a treadmill.

Now he dares a stunning profession change and makes use of the start of the yr to create summary animal sculptures.

The presenter mentioned: “I’ve by no means taken three months off earlier than. By no means. I can hardly sleep, I am so excited. I have to ban [partner] Charlotte from the studios.”

On his new artwork mission, Chris added, “I do not need any disruption or interruption, I need to maintain going. Will probably be good to clear my head and concentrate on one thing else solely.”

The Watch packages are broadcast reside from places throughout the nation and depend on dozens of employees and hidden cameras operated remotely.

The collection started in 2005 when the success of Springwatch prompted the BBC to fee a one-off Autumnwatch particular, which grew to become a full collection in 2006.

Winterwatch, alternatively, started in 2012.

The BBC has saved greater than £1billion over the 5 years to 2021/22.

An additional £285m is to be saved in response to the announcement in January 2022 that the royalty could be frozen for the following two years.

It comes after rural audiences final August criticized the BBC’s rural programming for “not representing rural points”.

In a survey that primarily included these over 65, members of the Countryside Alliance mentioned Countryfile, Springwatch and Autumnwatch and The Archers didn’t adequately symbolize their life.

Packham’s exhibits – who opposes fox looking, badger culling and nation sports activities – obtained the bottom rankings, with round 90 per cent of respondents agreeing that Springwatch and Autumnwatch weren’t a practical depiction of nation life.

A complete of 89 per cent felt Countryfile did not concentrate on the form of points that mattered to a rural viewers, whereas Radio 4’s The Archers – dubbed “modern drama in a rural setting” – additionally got here underneath heavy fireplace.

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