International TV Co-Editor
Suits | Trailer – BBC
ITV's head of programmes has criticised the BBC for its "odd" decision to buy US shows such as Suits and Gossip Girl during the recession.
Kevin Lygo said he was "surprised" that airtime during the BBC's coverage of the European Championship football tournament was being devoted to promoting these American shows, which the broadcaster has been keen to promote in recent times.
"I don't quite understand why the BBC, if they're struggling with money and programming costs, and struggling to fund [original shows like] Newsnight, can find the money to buy Suits and Gossip Girl and things like that," Lygo said. "I think it's a question for them. I don't know why they'd choose to do that – it seems odd."
