I thought the whole point of BBC America was to have a place to air BBC programming in the U.S. Apparently this is not enough for the network (via TheWrap):
BBC America has hired former Discovery, IFC and Bravo executive Rachel Smith, to the newly-created position of vice president of original programming, a move that signals the network’s focus on — you guessed it — original programming.
Smith is the first person appointed by Perry Simon, BBC Worldwide America’s general manager of channels, and will oversee non-scripted programs and work with show creators, talent, agents and writers in the U.S. and UK.
“Rachel’s appointment marks an important milestone for BBC America, as we move into the development of original programming for the channel,” Simon said.
What? Why? I don’t understand the purpose of this. At all. Unless someone feels there aren’t enough “non-scripted” shows like World’s Dumbest Elephant Trainers and Plastic Canvas Kleenex Box Cosy Collectors Uncovered to satisfy demanding audiences.
Someone make it stop. I beg you.
