It’s been a big week for British broadcasting cancelations.
Channel 4 has axed daily daytime show Steph’s Packed Lunch just a day after the BBC revealed it was culling Doctors, one of its longest-running drama series.Steph’s Packed Lunch has been running since the early days of the Covid-19 era and will end later this year, with those who work on the show told earlier today.
In an all-staff email from Ian Katz, seen by Deadline, the Chief Content Officer said it had been a “difficult decision” but “with audience habits changing faster than ever we need to focus our resources more rigorously on driving streaming, and prioritise programmes that drive digital growth wherever we can.”
Produced by Expectation and Can Can Productions, Steph’s Packed Lunch aired weekdays from Leeds and featured celebrity guests and topical discussions. It kicked off in the Covid era after Channel 4 decided it wanted to air a daily show from the nations and regions. As with the BBC response to the Doctors cull, Channel 4 will fund new productions from the nations and regions with the Steph’s Packed Lunch saving.
It has been a difficult few months for Channel 4, with a number of other shows canceled amidst the ad recession and following big bets on entertainment shows and sports rights.
Katz added: “I want to reassure you that we remain as committed as ever to our mission to help level up the TV industry outside London and to our 50% origination out of London target.
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