Sky’s the limit for Melvyn Bragg as South Bank Show is given new lease of life

Champion: Lord Bragg is to appear on Sky Arts
12 April 2012

Broadcaster Melvyn Bragg is to revive the most famous arts programme on television by taking it to a new home.

Only months after ITV axed the South Bank Show and its accompanying awards, Sky Arts has stepped in to offer Lord Bragg the chance to revisit the much-loved programme.

As well as recreating the awards, Bragg will front a series of documentaries for Sky profiling the winners.

The move is a coup for the channel, whose arts coverage already includes book shows with Mariella Frostrup and a series of live recorded dramas with stars including Juliet Stevenson.

Last year Sky also presented Antony Gormley's people on the fourth plinth project.
Lord Bragg, 70, admitted he was heartbroken when the South Bank Show he had founded and presented since 1978 ended this year.

"At a crucial time for contemporary arts in Britain, it is essential to continue to celebrate and examine them on television, and Sky Arts has provided a magnificent opportunity for us to make a difference," he said today.

"I greatly look forward to working with Sky Arts to bring these awards back to television screens."
He will resume his position as editor and master of ceremonies for the awards, which have traditionally been presented in categories ranging from literature and theatre to dance and diversity.

ITV originally announced the long-running series would end as Lord Bragg retired from his executive role as its controller of arts. But the broadcaster later made clear that he had decided to step down after arguments over budgets for the show as ITV looked to cut costs as advertising revenue dropped.

Speaking in May, when the final past highlights show was broadcast, Lord Bragg said it was "heartbreaking" that the channel had ended its only arts strand.

He said: "Some things cost a bit more than other things. That's what it's about isn't it? But you should do these things —I mean, there is public responsibility. It matters for television to show the best that's happening in this country and that resides in majorities and in minorities. And to flee to the tyranny of the majority is a dreadful thing to do."

Asked about the future of arts on television, he noted Sky's efforts alongside those of the BBC but added: "I think it's up for grabs."

Although Lord Bragg has continued to go on radio, he has not appeared on UK television since the demise of the South Bank Show.

John Cassy, director of Sky Arts, said: "Melvyn is the most passionate, enthusiastic and effective champions of the arts in the UK so to have him on board is a tremendous honour."

The new South Bank Show Sky Arts Awards will take place early next year.

Lord Bragg, a Labour peer, has said it was a question of "public responsibility" to showcase the best arts on television.

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