The UK television industry, long celebrated for its world-class dramas, documentaries, and entertainment, is facing an existential crisis. Peter Kosminsky, the BAFTA-winning director behind Wolf Hall and The Undeclared War, has issued a stark warning: funding cuts, declining broadcaster budgets, and the dominance of global streaming giants are pushing British TV to the brink.
Why the UK TV Industry Is at Risk
1. Plummeting Production Budgets
- The BBC, ITV, and Channel 4—once powerhouses of original British programming—have seen budgets slashed due to inflation, stagnant license fees, and ad revenue declines.
- High-end dramas like Wolf Hall now struggle to secure financing, with producers forced to seek co-funding from foreign investors, diluting creative control.
2. The Streaming Takeover
- Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ have deep pockets, luring top UK talent with bigger budgets—but their focus on global appeal often sidelines distinctly British stories.
- While streamers commission some UK productions (The Crown, Bridgerton), they prioritize international hits over local storytelling.
3. Decline in Training & Opportunities
- Broadcasters historically trained new talent, but budget cuts have eroded entry-level roles.
- Freelancers, who make up much of the industry, face unstable work as productions shrink.
4. Government Policy & the Threat to Public Broadcasting
- The BBC’s frozen license fee (until 2027) has led to a £400m funding gap, forcing cuts to iconic shows.
- Privatization threats to Channel 4 risk losing its unique public-service remit.
Kosminsky’s Warning: “We’re Losing Our Voice”
In a recent interview, Kosminsky argued:
“The UK used to be the gold standard for television. Now, we’re sleepwalking into a future where British stories are either underfunded or repackaged for American audiences. If we don’t act, we’ll lose a vital part of our culture.”
What’s at Stake?
- Loss of British storytelling – Iconic shows like Sherlock, Downton Abbey, and Doctor Who may struggle to get made.
- Job losses – Tens of thousands in production, writing, and crew roles depend on a thriving industry.
- Cultural decline – Without strong public broadcasters, the UK risks losing its influence in global media.
Possible Solutions
Increased public funding – A new model for BBC financing beyond the license fee.
Stronger protections for Channel 4 – Blocking privatization to preserve its indie-focused mandate.
Tax incentives for UK productions – Encouraging streamers to invest more in local content.
Revamped training schemes – Ensuring the next generation of filmmakers can thrive.
The UK television industry is at a crossroads. Without urgent intervention, its world-renowned creativity may be stifled by financial pressures and foreign competition. As Kosminsky’s warning makes clear, the time to act is now—before the lights dim on British storytelling for good.
