Nigel Farage has backtracked on a proposal to scrap Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing at a slimmed down BBC.
The Ukip leader praised the Corporation's "crown jewels" despite earlier telling the BBC's Andrew Marr programme "I don't think (the BBC) needs to do entertainment".
Mr Farage said the BBC "is far too big and has far too much influence".
Marr suggested he wanted to "exterminate the Doctor" prompting Mr Farage to remark: "We now have lots of commercial channels out there. We have cable television. The BBC does not need to be doing all of these things."
But Mr Farage insisted this was not his view, calling instead for Newsnight to be be replaced.
Ukip has repeatedly attacked BBC "bias" in recent days, insisting the broadcaster is harming its chances.
Mr Farage said: "It is obvious to most people that the metropolitan and establishment backgrounds of so many of its journalists is a problem.
"For instance, Newsnight has become little more than a televised version of The Guardian, with its journalists moving to and fro between it and Channel Four News at frequent intervals. I think it is time for Newsnight to be put out to grass and a new flagship current affairs and news analysis programme to replace it."
The Ukip leader added: "When it comes to entertainment, the BBC should be proud of its 'crown jewels' such as Strictly Come Dancing and dramas such as Dr Who. They have become valuable global brands as well as programmes hugely appreciated by British audiences.
"Should the BBC feel it has to come up with its own version of every commercial TV genre, from dating formats to home makeover shows? I don't think so."
He criticised the pressure placed by BBC websites on local press, suggesting it was "beginning to obliterate other voices in the media".
Ukip will call for a constitutional convention to create a United Kingdom that is "fair to all" at its Scottish manifesto launch today.
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