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Holland unveils BBC2 vision

BBC2 in the UK has revealed a new-look schedule with an array of fresh titles across factual, current affairs, arts and drama programming.

Patrick Holland

Patrick Holland, who took over at BBC2 in September, said he wanted the channel to bring “the increasingly complex and changing world to the audience through expert perspective, human engagement and great storytelling.”

Holland’s slate includes docudrama 20 Days (working title), which examines the events following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union (EU) and David Cameron’s subsequent resignation as prime minister.

Along the same lines is Brexit Means Brexit (w/t), from Oxford Film and Television, which traces what has happened since the EU referendum, while Jo Cox: Death of an MP (w/t) uses CCTV and archive footage to piece together the inside story of the murder of the UK politician.

BBC2 will also air US drama Katrina: American Crime Story from Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions, and Operation (w/t), from Dragonfly Film & TV, a four-part show about complex medical procedures.

Keo Films documentary series Breadline (w/t), meanwhile, explores what it means for families to be living and working on the poverty line.

Holland said the commissions were designed “to make the channel feel more vital and relevant to the audience” and “to build on [its] great tradition as the place where the audience comes to discover the world and bring broad audiences to all the specialisms.

“Finally, underpinning all of this is authorship, an essential part of the DNA of the channel,” he added, citing forthcoming shows such as Conor McPherson’s drama Paula and Damon Beesley’s comedy White Gold.

Holland was appointed last year to “bring confidence back” to the channel, which airs motoring show Top Gear as well as dramas such as Wolf Hall. Until 2015 it was also home to ratings smash The Great British Bake Off.

His role was created as part of a revamp at the UK pubcaster that saw former BBC2 chief Kim Shillinglaw exit the organisation.

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