BBC should not overspend on shows such as Suits and Schitt's Creek, MPs say

The BBC should not pay "over the odds" for the rights to overseas hits such as Suits and Schitt's Creek, an influential group of MPs has said.

It is one of several issues raised in a wide-ranging report about the BBC's funding and future, published by the House of Commons' cross-party culture and media committee.

Although the BBC produces a lot of its own programmes, the corporation buys some international shows for its TV channels and iPlayer streaming platform.

The MPs' report said the BBC could "spend more wisely when competing for programming". Overall, the BBC brings "immeasurable benefits" to society but needs reform of the TV licence fee to avoid a fate of "managed decline", they said.

Committee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage said the report , external comes at "a pivotal moment for the BBC", which is grappling with changing media habits, declining income and negotiations with the government over how it is paid for.

Dame Caroline said the government "must ensure the BBC has a universal and sustainable source of funding".

But, she added, the BBC "can play its part by sweating its assets and boxing clever for the licence payer by ending illogical practices such as outbidding commercial rivals for overseas hits such as Suits, Schitt's Creek and Scooby Doo".

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