The BBC is reportedly considering offering slimmed-down versions of shows such as EastEnders in order to bring in younger viewers.
During the coronavirus lockdown, the BBC's iPlayer has enjoyed record ratings, with youth-skewing service BBC Three in particular proving popular.
According to The Sun, the corporation is now looking at piloting "bitesize" editions of its flagship soap and shows such as Planet Earth to see how they play with younger demographics.
"Viewers are no longer using ad breaks to play with their phones, they're doing it during shows and losing interest," a BBC source told the newspaper.
"The BBC has conducted internal research to see if they should be offering more manageable, bitesize programming to help attract a younger audience. It's just one of the ideas being mooted. Of course the Beeb will still focus on longer dramas."
As a result of the coronavirus lockdown, EastEnders will already be going down to 20-minute episodes when it returns to the schedules this September, albeit with the intent of going back up to 30-minute episodes later in the year.
Neil Wilkes
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