TV channels in Britain are generally free from government interference. They are also free from commercial interference. For example, advertisers have no influence on programming.

1. so that specialist tastes can be catered for.

2. or that British TV is devoid of serious content.

3. because they need as many viewers as possible.

4. because these are currently the most popular types.

5. These days, numerous other channels are available,

6. while BBC TV needs them in order to justify the licence fee.

7. The one thing the main channels are not free from is public taste,

8. The commercial channels need them in order to attract more advertisers,

9. This does not mean, however, that all TV programmes are of these types

10. Perhaps this is why British TV makes some of the best documentaries in the world.

11. Moreover, British viewers are accustomed to the idea of TV as a learning resource.

12. As a result, television is full of soaps, soap-style dramas, and so-called ‘reality TV’ programmes,