Keith Dancey wrote:

Absolutely correct. See the Government's report on the renewal of the
BBC Charter. Chasing viewing figures is no longer acceptable. On Key
Reforms it says the public has the perception of the BBC "dumbing down".

"All BBC services should promote education and learning"

"The BBC needs to be vigilant about its potential to have a negative effect
on commercial competitors"

"Inform, educate and entertain" will remain the BBC's mission statement.

"The Role of the BBC. Our Policy. ...The BBC should aim to be distinctive
from commercially-funded services: it should compete on the basis of quality,
not aggressively for ratings"

QED

A serious series about the weather would be a good way for them to
demonstrate a commitment to this.

--
Howard Neil