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Hincks: “Big Brother is strong”
Endemol executive defends show
hincks-big-brother-is-strong

Endemol UK chief executive Tim Hincks has expressed confidence in the future of Big Brother, saying that its long-term health is ’strong’.

In an interview with The Guardian, he defended the show against the lower ratings and lack of press interest that the current tenth series, which comes to an end next Friday, has attracted.

He said: “Ever since series three, people have said the format’s about to die. The long-term health of Big Brother is strong. I really believe that. It’s a famous brand, the format works, that’s obvious.

“Will Big Brother continue to be one of the prime youth-focused content brands? Yes, it will, both in the UK and around the world.”

Discussing the production company’s partnership with broadcaster Channel 4, he said: “We have a brilliant relationship with C4. We are doing it for C4 next year, it’s been 10 years and it’s still C4’s biggest show.

“One thing even its fiercest critics will accept is that we revolutionised TV with them. You may not think it’s a good thing but it changed the way we make TV.”

However, he didn’t say much about whether the show would continue on the channel after the current contract between the parties runs out next year.

“Will we be making it for C4 in two years’ time? I’ve honestly no idea. C4 are on speed dial, we talk to them all the time.”

Hincks added that he thinks Big Brother 10 is ‘the best for four or five years in terms of editorial quality’.

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Written by Matt Posted on Day 83 at 7:28am Share/bookmark this post:
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12 comments
Liam says: August 25, 2009 @ 7:48 am

:D but he should tell C4 to treat bb properly! I do see bb in 2 years time, even if it’s failing or not!

Ben says: August 25, 2009 @ 8:58 am

I see BB in a few years time just not on C4 .

Andy says: August 25, 2009 @ 10:09 am

I hope it still does have a future past bb11. I agree that its time on channel 4 may come to an end. And I think if E4 showed it- it will be crucifying it.

I thought the BBC public service policy (which we have to pay the licence fee for) promises to show programmes that ‘entertains, informs and educates’ now isn’t that what exactly big brother does in many ways? Now i’m not saying put it on bbc one that will be a shock if that happens, but what about BBC three which gets the same ratings as C4? And bbc three attracts the same young audience that C4 atracts. You never know having the bbc brand tagged onto big brother may boost the ratings. Maybe??

James Dean says: August 25, 2009 @ 11:59 am

i so think the bbc should do it, they have the brand name PLUS a bbc america for the american fans, and they have more money to throw at the series, i really hope bbc take the chance and they do it, but please not ITV.

Ryan says: August 25, 2009 @ 12:32 pm

I personaly think that Big Brother should miss a year and have atleast two years of planning and come back with a bang.. that would change the layout and 2years to find housemates too.

Brekkie says: August 25, 2009 @ 1:36 pm

BB can never survive when those charged with protecting it’s future speak like this.

What the show needs is for Endemol and C4 to hold their hands up and admit it’s not working, but realise that with TLC and a long overdue revamp it could indeed have a few more years in it - but for that to work the show needs to take a break of at least two years.

Plough ahead with BB11 as planned and that’ll be the last anyone sees of BB. End it now and I’m very confident that within a few years it’ll return with at least three further series.

Az says: August 25, 2009 @ 2:28 pm

I disagree Brekkie, I think BB will still be on after BB11. It will be a much lower budget and Endemol will have to lower the price for the broadcaster (It may not be on C4!)

Brekkie says: August 25, 2009 @ 2:35 pm

It won’t - the damage has really been done this series. The problems can not be addressed whilst those closest too it won’t even admit there is a problem.

Another article today tells us staffing levels have remained the same this year, despite the live feed, Diary Room Uncut and daily Big Mouths being axed.
http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/production/big-brother-the-house-of-confrontation/5004655.article

judith says: August 25, 2009 @ 5:37 pm

bb is still strong,i dont think so sonny jim

Jack says: August 25, 2009 @ 6:54 pm

I wouldn’t like big brother to be on any other channel than channel 4 , the way channel 4 do it is the best it wouldnt be the same with a different presenter and on a different channel. i hope it doesent go :’(

Matt says: August 25, 2009 @ 10:08 pm

BB is great, and with a move to a different channel - it will do good.

judith says: August 27, 2009 @ 7:28 pm

bb10 is the best so far in my opinion,

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