BBC Scotland's director has sounded the alarm, declaring that the broadcaster must radically transform its approach to drama production or risk being overwhelmed by international streaming behemoths.
In a stark warning that has sent ripples through the Scottish broadcasting industry, Gary Smith stated that the era of creating content solely for domestic audiences is over. The corporation faces an existential threat from platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which operate with global ambitions from the outset.
The Streaming Revolution Demands New Thinking
'We can no longer make programmes just for Scottish audiences,' Smith asserted during his address at the Edinburgh TV Festival. 'If we want to survive and thrive, our stories must resonate from Glasgow to Guangzhou.'
The director emphasised that the traditional model of commissioning dramas primarily for UK viewers has become unsustainable in the face of streaming services' vast budgets and worldwide distribution networks.
Scotland's Unique Voice in a Global Marketplace
Rather than diluting Scottish identity, Smith believes the nation's distinctive storytelling traditions could become its greatest asset in the international arena. He pointed to recent successes like 'Guilt' and 'The Control Room' as evidence that Scottish narratives can achieve both critical acclaim and cross-border appeal.
'Our authenticity is our competitive advantage,' Smith explained. 'International audiences crave distinctive voices and fresh perspectives, not homogenised content that could come from anywhere.'
The Financial Imperative Behind Global Ambitions
The shift toward internationally-focused production isn't merely artistic—it's economic necessity. With streaming services commanding unprecedented production budgets, the BBC must find ways to make its funding stretch further while maintaining quality.
Smith outlined several strategies to achieve this transformation:
- Developing co-production partnerships with international broadcasters
- Creating stories with universal themes anchored in Scottish specificity
- Identifying talent and concepts with export potential early in development
- Building relationships with global distributors and streaming platforms
Navigating the Tension Between Local and Global
The director acknowledged the delicate balancing act required—serving licence fee payers in Scotland while pursuing international success. He insisted these objectives aren't mutually exclusive, arguing that global hits often begin with strong local foundations.
'The best way to serve Scottish audiences is to ensure our production sector remains vibrant and sustainable,' Smith stated. 'That means creating shows that travel well beyond our borders.'
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about the future of public service broadcasting worldwide, as traditional models struggle to compete with the seemingly limitless resources of tech-backed streaming services.
