❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
David Tennant says BBC is "still a kitemark for quality" and should be "cherished"
"We punch above our weight internationally in the creative arts in this country."
Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images
- Molly Moss
Published: Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 12:23 pm
Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 weeks for £10, including the Christmas double issue
David Tennant, the Doctor Who and Good Omens star, has praised the BBC as "a kitemark for quality".
Ad
Speaking in conversation with former BBC content chief Charlotte Moore during the Royal Television Society’s Cambridge Convention (via Deadline), Tennant said the corporation should be "cherished," before adding: "The BBC is still a kitemark for quality … we punch above our weight internationally in the creative arts in this country, because we look after them."
Tennant’s comments come after the BBC warned in its annual plan for 2025/26 back in March that it faces an "unprecedented content funding challenge" in general across the next year.
The report noted that a major contributing factor is that "co-production partnerships with global streamers and media companies have reduced across the sector".
The corporation added that "without intervention, it will be difficult to maintain the current ambition and volume of UK content” and noted that its content spend for the coming 12 months will drop by £150 million.
"However, this figure fluctuates and is often dependent on big, non-annual sporting events, none of which are slated for the next year."
David Tennant. Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images
Elsewhere during the conversation, Tennant said he was "terrified" by the rise of AI and said it was "horribly inevitable" that the technology would threaten jobs in the creative industry.
He also said he’s becoming more fearful of expressing his opinions on culture war issues.
Read more:
- Primetime Emmys 2025 winners: Full list as Adolescence and The Studio clean up
- The Morning Show season 4 reveals dramatic first-look trailer as two legendary Oscar winners are added to cast
"When you have any kind of public profile, there is an interest in them [your opinions], when you can’t censor yourself," he said.
He continued: "But it’s hard when opinions that used to feel quite safe are being challenged ever more vociferously by changes in the culture.
"It’s difficult not to censor yourself when speaking your truth can feel quite spicy."
Want to see this content?
This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.
Accept and continue
Ad
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Molly MossTrends Writer
Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.
Ad
Ad
Get the Christmas double issue
Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.
Loading...
Ad
Loading...