Letter: BBC drama

Further to your article (6 February) concerning Michael Wearing and the BBC's drama serials output, may I set the record straight about the decision-making process on the Janet Neel adaptations? The decision not to proceed was entirely an editorial judgement made by the Controller of BBC1, Peter Salmon, in the context of the very strong range of drama titles on offer to him.

No focus-group research was undertaken to consider the project. In fact, focus-group research is never used in BBC Television as a deciding factor in any commissioning decision.

ALAN YENTOB

BBC Director of Television

London W12