If I had the power to hand out degrees in stating the blindingly obvious, then I’d be winging my way to ITV boss, Michael Grade, certificate in hand, this instant. Why? Well, Grade has just caught on to what anyone with functioning eyeballs and brain has been thinking for years. That ITV’s programmes is generally awful.

The ITV executive chairman said that the broadcaster’s programming lacked "innovation" and as a result, the company reported a fall in annual profits.

He blamed a ratings-driven culture and the advertising regime imposed on ITV when it merged to become one company three years ago. A poor workman blames his tools son…

Grade said; "There is a lack of innovation in our programming, partly resulting
from a fear of ratings failure and the punitive consequences that
follow under the Contract Rights Renewal (CRR) remedy. My immediate priorities are developing the strength of our programming
and new media businesses, and working to reduce overly onerous
regulatory constraints."
He added that ITV had to raise its "creative ambition". "We must be more
innovative and take more risks. We must be more relevant and we must be
ahead of audience tastes. In particular we must regain our pre-eminence in drama series on ITV1
at 9pm."

I realise that I may not be the best person to judge what makes a great ratings winner. For example, I absolutely loathe the Vicar of Dibley. I’d rather hit myself in the back of my head until my eyes fall out and replace them with rolled up socks than have to watch that. It does put bums on seats though. However, that taken into account, I can’t recall the last time I watched something on ITV and liked it. Harry Hill’s TV Burp? One programme out of thousands doesn’t bode well for a four channel station. Even though I’m not the man to ask about mass appeal programming, I fear that I’m not alone in my indifference to ITVs output. Surely Coronation Street is the only big player that ITV have on the box in terms of drama? Take away the talent shows like Pop Idol, and reality shows starring Ant & Dec, and you’re not left with much are you? We’ll have to see if ITV can revitalise its wretched programming, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. [Mof Gimmers]