The director of Mr Bates vs the Post Office, James Strong, has emphasized the importance of establishing a mechanism for British broadcasters to continue telling campaigning stories. He expressed his concern that his acclaimed ITV drama should not just be a passing phenomenon, but rather become a platform for raising awareness on important societal issues. Since the premiere of Mr Bates, Strong has received numerous requests for assistance in bringing stories to light, ranging from small-scale events to larger corporate scandals. He believes that there should be a structured approach in place that allows individuals affected by these issues to approach broadcasters with their ideas for creating compelling narratives.
Mr Bates has garnered significant attention as ITV’s most-watched show since Downton Abbey. The portrayal of the post office scandal in the drama resonated with audiences and prompted real-world changes, particularly in terms of compensation for victims. Unlike many other scandals depicted in TV shows, the post office scandal stands out for being a current and ongoing issue rather than a historical event. Strong commended ITV for addressing another live scandal, the contaminated blood affair, in an upcoming drama. He highlighted the commercial value of productions like Mr Bates, which have not only achieved success but have also been sold to international markets like the U.S.
While celebrating the success of Mr Bates, Strong acknowledged the challenges faced in the production process. He revealed that it was a difficult decision to exclude certain stories and characters from the final edit in order to streamline the narrative and maximize impact. Strong emphasized the importance of balancing the number of characters to effectively convey the story while maintaining the integrity of the drama. His ultimate goal was to create a compelling narrative that would serve the sub-postmasters and draw attention to their plight.
During a session at the Creative Cities Convention, BBC Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark shared how the drama had motivated hundreds of individuals to come forward and share their experiences. Many of these individuals felt empowered to speak out after watching Mr Bates, having previously remained silent despite widespread media coverage of the scandal. Wark speculated that factors such as lack of confidence or feelings of shame may have prevented people from sharing their stories earlier. The drama served as a catalyst for social change by giving a voice to those who had long been silenced.
As British broadcasters continue to explore the potential of storytelling in driving social impact, the need for a structured approach to producing campaigning stories becomes increasingly apparent. The success of dramas like Mr Bates underscores the power of broadcasting in shedding light on critical issues and fostering dialogue within society. By advocating for mechanisms that support factual stories and real-world impact, directors like James Strong are paving the way for a new era of television that goes beyond entertainment to drive positive change in the world.