SPRINGWATCH presenter Kate Humble has shared that she is preparing to be axed as the television industry hits crisis point.
Despite having a career hosting wildlife shows that spans over three decades, she does not feel that her future on-screen is secure.
Speaking to the Reach PLC, Kate said it’s not up to her whether she continues her career as a presenter or not.
She explained: “The brutal truth is, you have very little influence on whether you slow down your filming or not.
“If TV programmes aren’t being made, everyone’s slowing down.
“I mean, the industry at the moment, something like 85 percent of freelancers, both on and off screen, are out of work.
“People are not talking about this, but it’s a huge thing. There is a fundamental shift in the way that people are watching content.”
She went on to use the BBC’s Springwatch as an example of prime telly that has lost viewers despite producers doing nothing wrong.
Kate added: “When I first started doing Springwatch, four million people would watch it, and now it might be a million – and that’s not a reflection of the programme – that’s a reflection of the way that people watch TV now.”
“The bottom line is people aren’t really watching TV, or they’re not watching us in the same way, and so the industry is having to adapt very, very quickly.
“And it does mean that, at the moment, as we go through this shift – less programmes are being commissioned – there’s less advertising revenue for the mainstream channels and promotional channels.
“So, you know, I would be mad to sit here thinking I’m going to see out my career on television and just sit and hope – it’s not gonna happen.”
Her solution to job fears has been to start working with LNER on the side.
The conservationist has gotten involved in a project where the train company promotes sustainable travel over the summer holidays.
She emphasized how important it is for her to keep on doing work that saves the environment, even if that may not be with the BBC in the future.
Kate shared: “It sounds ridiculous, but I have a real feeling of responsibility, because I think I’ve been so lucky to see so much of the world; to have experienced some incredible landscapes, habitats, animals, people living in so many different parts of the world.
“I have seen first-hand just how precious this planet is, and how fragile it is, I have seen first-hand the impact of our changing climate.
“And so, for me, the most important thing that I can do, and I love doing, is somehow to inspire people in all sorts of ways; whether it’s through TV, whether it’s through writing books, whether it is through working with companies at the moment to say there are better ways that you can offset your carbon.”
Springwatch began in 2005 and showcases British wildlife during the changing of the seasons in the United Kingdom
It’s presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin
Chris and Michaela joined the show from 2009 and 2011 onwards, respectively
Just like last year, the long-running series is broadcasting live from RSPB Arne in Dorset
A total of 19 series have aired to date, with the 20th edition now on air on BBC Two
The show’s popularity over the years spawned spin-offs Autumnwatch and Winterwatch
Autumnwatch began as a one-off, but was expanded into its own series from 2006 to 2022
Last year, the Beeb cancelled Autumnwatch citing budget concerns and having a smaller audience than its counterparts
The original presenting line-up for Springwatch included comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie, television presenter Kate Humble and naturalist Simon King
Bill, known for his work with The Goodies, exited the programme in 2008, followed by Simon in 2010 and Kate in 2011
