Producer choice in the BBC

Abstract

This article explains the nature of ‘producer choice’, a reform process by which devolved decision‐making has been introduced into the BBC's operations. It is based on in‐depth interviews with senior managers, producers and editors, supplemented by BBC documents and the descriptions of ‘producer choice’ given in presentations by its project director. The article sets out to assess the impact of producer choice on the BBC's operations and its role in securing the future of the BBC as the main public service broadcaster.