BBC4's Richard Klein promises more live events and theatre

The BBC4 controller, Richard Klein, is planning to do more live events and find new ways to cover theatre on his channel. Klein also confirmed there will be "slightly less" comedy and entertainment on his digital network as a result of the BBC's ongoing strategy review. And he said that he wanted to use presenters that "have something to say", rather than ones that are "young, beautiful or stylish." "I want people if they've got something to say, I don't care how they say it," he added, speaking yesterday at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival. He cited Lucy Worsley, the chief curator of the Historic Royal Palaces, who has made a programme for BBC4 that will air next year, as an example of the kind of presenters that work on his channel. Klein said he as yet to "crack" how to put more theatre on television but said it is a challenge he is determined to win. He also said he wanted to shout more about his channel, although his marketing spend is limited. "One of the issues BBC4 faces all the time is how do we get people to know about us... how we market the channel. How we get our message across is critical," added Klein. He praised Sky Arts, but when asked if BBC4 has the same impact as Sky Arts said: "People watch us. If I had the same impact as Sky Arts but the same audience I'd be off the air." He said the channel will also make more "interventions" through funding events such as the Songwriters' Circle, which features performers such as Suzanne Vega playing live with other artists. Plans to make the channel more contemporary include Dr James Fox making a programme covering Cornish art. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".