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Persistently accused of ?dumbing down? by the chattering classes, the world?s most respected broadcaster sits precariously between the devil and the deep blue sea when it comes to arts programming.

Should the BBC dare to programme cutting edge arts or lesser known classical repertoire in a primetime slot, it faces almost certain desertion by millions of viewers and more than a flurry of accusations of elitism. But when it fails to do so, it is met with a storm of protest by arts practitioners, who understandably see television as a unique opportunity to reach the new audiences of their wildest dreams. In this way, the Corporation is grappling with precisely the same issues as many arts organisations in the UK. Too ?arty? and it loses money; too popular and it loses its integrity. Its latest attempt (p8) to resolve the dilemma is an intriguing one. Just as a local authority theatre might present a varied programme right across the long spectrum between popular entertainment and ?high? art, the BBC has determinedly set out to attract even those with only a passing interest in the arts, as well as arts aficionados. It is unashamedly using popular heroes such as Rolf Harris to provide an entry-level experience for the millions of people who quite like the arts, but for whom the prospect of an evening in front of the box watching art critic Waldemar Januszczak re-examining the work of Paul Gaugin might not appeal. So let?s not be sniffy about the presenter-led format, because Rolf is surely more likely to tempt viewers away from their soaps and reality shows than his ?higher-brow? but lesser-known contemporaries. And let?s face it, arts organisations themselves aren?t averse to using star names to pull in the punters given the chance. Names like Godber, Rattle or Ayckbourn will always shift tickets ? regardless of the work being performed.