BBC to produce ‘lighter’ content to attract Britons from poorer backgrounds

Ofcom praised BBC Three successes such as Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star as examples of shows that had done well with younger audiences . Photograph: Guy Levy/BBC/Wall to Wall

The BBC will redirect its television budget to make “lighter” dramas and comedies in the belief they will appeal to Britons from poorer backgrounds.

The broadcaster also said it would try to attract viewers from lower socio-economic groups by making sports documentaries and crime shows, after criticism from Ofcom that these audiences are more likely to watch commercial outlets such as ITV.