should not overspend on shows such as Suits and Schitt's Creek, MPs say

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. should not overspend on shows such as Suits and Schitt's Creek, MPs sayImage source, /Not A Real Company 2 ProductionsImage caption, Schitt's Creek was snapped up by the after the comedy series left NetflixBySteven McIntoshEntertainment reporter Published11 minutes agoThe should not pay "over the odds" for the rights to overseas hits such as Suits and Schitt's Creek, an influential group of MPs has said. It is one of several issues raised in a wide-ranging report about the 's funding and future, published by the House of Commons' cross-party culture and media committee. Although the produces a lot of its own programmes, the corporation buys some international shows for its TV channels and iPlayer streaming platform.

The MPs' report said the could "spend more wisely when competing for programming". Overall, the brings "immeasurable benefits" to society but needs reform of the TV licence fee to avoid a fate of "managed decline", they said. Committee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage said the report , externalcomes at "a pivotal moment for the ", which is grappling with changing media habits, declining income and negotiations with the government over how it is paid for.

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Dame Caroline said the government "must ensure the has a universal and sustainable source of funding". But, she added, the "can play its part by sweating its assets and boxing clever for the licence payer by ending illogical practices such as outbidding commercial rivals for overseas hits such as Suits, Schitt's Creek and Scooby Doo". The rights to air all three programmes were bought by the after contracts with other networks or streaming services expired.

"At a time of constrained resources, the should not be paying over the odds for overseas content, particularly when it's a bidding war against commercial UK broadcasters," the committee said. The MPs added that they "did not believe that this provides value for money for the licence fee payer". The said it spends less than 5% of its content budget on acquiring shows, less than other broadcasters, and they are a cost-effective way of delivering high-quality content to audiences who go on to discover homegrown programming.

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Suits, starring the future Duchess of Sussex (second right, in 2012), has attracted new audiences in recent yearsThe committee's report has been published as the government considers its options for the next Royal Charter, which will set out how the broadcaster will be governed, regulated and funded from 2028 onwards. Dame Caroline said: "For all its faults, the drives our creative economy, supports our democracy through media sovereignty, and delivers world-class entertainment and moments that bring us together. "Like a much-loved family member, we may criticise and grumble about the but we would miss it enormously if it were no longer here for us.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.