THE BBC want to make 99-year-old Sir David Attenborough their latest star on Tiktok.
Our much-loved naturalist and natural treasure is the perfect frontman for the two minute videos on the social media site, according to the corporation’s director general Tim Davie.
The BBC want to make 99-year-old Sir David Attenborough their latest star on Tiktok[/caption]
He says Sir David – who turns 100 next may – is now an icon to young people who adore his shows, including The Blue Planet and Planet Earth.
Segments of the programmes could be crunched down into bite-sized chunks to be consumed by millions of Gen Z viewers.
Mr Davie said: “I think what doesn’t work is a massive lurch to youth and trying very hard to be the coolest one on the block,
“Who is incredibly popular with young people? Our 99-year-old natural history presenter, who is a legend who they trust.
“The key thing is to be trusted, and to be absolutely speaking with authenticity.”
Talking to the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee, Mr Davie said that Sir David was the ultimate example of a presenter: “who can talk directly to young people and who they engage with.
“They are also interested in different formats.
“I do not believe in trapping the public service broadcasting format.”
“I do believe you can do a two-minute thing on TikTok, but actually make sure it meets the BBC’s editorial values.
“That is not dumbing down if you do it right; it just may not be to everyone’s taste.”
Sir David has always moved with the times.
He pioneered colour TV when he was BBC Two controller and last year – aged 98 -launched a virtual reality experience in London allowing users to immerse themselves in a world of jaw dropping insects and plants.
