Jeremey Paxman has told Newsnight viewers he is starting a campaign to "buck the ludicrous obsession that television has to cater for the 16-34 demographic group at the expense of all others" in one of his daily emails. The remark followed an interview on Wednesday last week with the 85-year-old historian, Eric Hobsbawm. Describing the interview as “fascinating” he joked his programme needed “more 80-year-olds," criticising TV’s obsession with youth programming like Big Brother.
Although the comments were slightly tongue in cheek he is representing the opinions of a growing group in the media who see the obsession with youth TV as detrimental for the medium. Channel 5 news boss, Chris Shaw told the Edinburgh TV Festival that TV executives too easily forget the value of experience and wisdom over youthful good looks. Word is Shaw is courting experienced correspondents such as Kate Adie, BBC diplomatic editor, Brian Hanrahan, and the former ITN political editor, Michael Brunson, in an effort to redress the balance.