New BBC boss considering axing left-wing comedy shows to make output seem less ‘one-sided’

Reports say that BBC director-general Tim Davie wants to tackle 'a perceived left-wing bias'

A report in the Telegraph says that new BBC director-general Tim Davie is considering a “radical overhaul” of the corporation’s comedy output to make it seem less “one-sided”. The Telegraph says that according to senior sources, Daive will outline measures to restore “trust and confidence” in his first speech as director-general this Thursday. The sources do stress that no decision has been made as of yet, but Davie’s speech will establish a “direction of travel”. Despite this, The Telegraph’s sources said that it is “expected” that some shows could be taken off the air in the longer term. There is also a suggestion that panel shows could be made to book more guests with right-wing views. The report has understandably received strong reactions from comedians. “Personally can't wait for the new era of pro-government satire,” tweeted Ed Gamble. “Look out for my new show ‘Come On Guys, They're Doing Their Best Under Difficult Circumstances’.” https://twitter.com/EdGambleComedy/status/1300714044211462144 “For a TV stunt, I once went on stage at a live London comedy club to ‘try out’ some of my new material,” The Thick of It creator Armando Iannucci tweeted. “In fact the set consisted of jokes and one-liners from recent speeches made by Conservative MPs and ministers. It was the most appalling three minutes of my life. And filmed.” https://twitter.com/Aiannucci/status/1300719899136929793 The news has been more warmly received by those on the right. Conservative MP Ben Bradley told The Telegraph: “In recent years lots of BBC comedy shows are just constant Left-wing rants about the Tories and Brexit. If the BBC is to truly represent all licence fee payers, that needs to change.” “I'd like to see more right-leaning comedians given a chance rather than being effectively blacklisted for their views.”