UK public broadcasting faces severe funding crisis

Peter Kominsky, director of "Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light," has expressed deep concern about the British TV industry. He believes it is facing an "existential crisis." This issue arises as American streaming services, like Netflix, dominate the market. Their high budgets make it difficult for British networks like the BBC and ITV to produce shows with a more local focus. In a recent interview, Kominsky explained that the costs of making drama series have skyrocketed. He pointed out that the BBC and ITV are unable to finance projects like "Wolf Hall" or other traditional British dramas. Instead, they are prioritizing shows that appeal to a global audience, such as "Adolescence." Kominsky also shared a troubling experience with his latest project. Just six weeks before filming, he learned the budget was insufficient. This led to significant changes, including a shift to more indoor shooting to cut costs. His commitment to quality as a director made this situation especially frustrating. To address these challenges, Kominsky proposed a solution in a letter to Members of Parliament. He suggested implementing a 5% levy on streaming services. The money raised could create a "cultural fund" that would support British programming not focused on international appeal. He believes this would enhance the quality of British television and showcase its cultural richness. "Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light" currently airs on PBS every Sunday night.