BBC denies losing £1.2m on `Seaforth'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The BBC yesterday denied a suggestion that its decision not to commission a new series of the 1940s northern saga Seaforth had cost licence-payers £1.2m.
Such claims were "inaccurate and misleading", said the corporation's head of drama serials, Michael Wearing. "The bulk of this sum, amounting to £1m, would have been an investment by BBC Worldwide in anticipation of overseas sales, but payable only on condition that a second series of Seaforth was produced," he said.
Yesterday Malcolm Gerrie, managing director of the independent Seaforth producer, Initial Film and TV, claimed the BBC had already invested £1m in the project - in addition to £200,000 committed to develop the second series. He also said he had been toldto go ahead with a second series.
Mr Wearing denied the BBC had ever ordered a new series.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments