DO we really need the suggested “tough new rules” to stop the BBC showing hit programmes at the same time as ITV?

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale is set to tell the BBC to move popular shows like Strictly Come Dancing if they clash with hit ITV rivals like The X Factor.

This might help the BBC’s commercial rivals gain extra advertising revenue but it really won’t help viewers. And why should licence cash be used to pursue ratings?

With catch-up TV now widely available, most viewers can pick one favourite and view the other later which is not a problem.