BBC calls for urgent action as it publishes value of comedy report
- The BBC has published a 31-page report that examines the value of UK comedy to audiences, society and the creative industries
- The report finds British comedy generates substantial cultural and economic returns but headwinds are threatening the TV genre
- Five actions to help support the sector have been identified, including a request for the government to update the production tax credits system
A new BBC report published today has revealed British comedy generates substantial cultural and economic returns but now requires strategic investment to maintain the UK's global comedy leadership position.
The 31-page report examines the value of UK comedy to audiences, society and the creative industries, as well as the critical role of the BBC as an investor and champion of comedy.
It warns of headwinds that are threatening the TV genre, with public service broadcaster commissioning budgets under pressure, high inflation and challenges securing third party funding and distribution.
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, says: "Together, the Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) remain the only genuine champion of comedy talent development - from grassroots initiatives to writers' rooms and pilots. Nearly every British comedy star lighting up screens globally today took their first steps with the BBC or one of the other PSBs.
"Yet this ecosystem faces unprecedented challenges. Funding pressures and shifting consumption patterns threaten the very foundations of British comedy. This report makes clear: without decisive action from broadcasters, policymakers, and industry partners, the future of this uniquely British cultural and economic asset hangs in the balance."
The report states: "There are headwinds that are threatening this culturally and economically significant genre, with public service broadcaster commissioning budgets under pressure, persistent high inflation due to demand for talent and infrastructure, and challenges in securing third-party financing and distribution. Urgent action is needed from both industry and the Government to protect this jewel in the UK's cultural crown."
The report lists five actions to help support the sector into the future:
1. Government support for sustainable and futureproof public-service broadcasting, recognising the jeopardy the ecosystem faces
2. Supporting the financing of scripted comedy at all levels, including updating the tax credits system
3. Partnership between organisations including PSBs, streamers, screen agencies and distributors, to increase the volume of comedy produced in the UK
4. Investment in comedy-specific skills and opportunities
5. Exploring innovation in new forms of comedy content
The report finds that the UK TV comedy production sector supports around 2,050 jobs, with PSB spend on comedy content responsible for 45% of this. Those jobs across the UK's creative industries, from writers and performers to technical crew and production staff, develop transferable skills that strengthen the wider entertainment industry.
The importance of the BBC investing in the comedy sector is also highlighted. It is noted: "The BBC is the largest commissioner of UK first-run comedy, and this investment is critical for sustaining the UK comedy sector. Last year the BBC made over twice as many first-run UK originated comedy hours than every other broadcast or streamer combined. The BBC invested nearly £67.1m in TV comedy in 2024, more than double the spend from each of the other broadcasters and streamers."
The report highlights that comedy productions "often provide a training ground for nurturing new skills and talent", adding "some of the UK's most recognised talents started out in comedy, many of whom are now working internationally - such as Jesse Armstrong, Armando Iannucci, Michaela Coel, Daisy May Cooper, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Charlie Brooker, Richard Curtis, Steve Coogan".
The full report can be read via the link below. It features statistics such as 7 in 10 people think that British comedy can offer a reflection of Britain today; analysis of TV viewing figures, including the 20+ million viewers for Gavin & Stacey (pictured); and quotes from creators including Sharon Horgan, James Corden and Guz Khan.