A
re-classification of the production arms of certain television
producers in the nations has been proposed today by Culture
Secretary Ben Bradshaw. The proposals would classify more
television production companies as independent producers, and are
designed to help encourage content production throughout the UK.
Independent production companies qualify for quotas requiring the
BBC, C4, ITV plc and Five to buy original TV content from
independent producers.
The proposed change, set out in the ‘Digital Britain’ report
earlier this year, would give production companies which are
wholly owned by Channel 3 broadcasters independent status, and
enable them to supply content under the quotas.
The BBC, Channel 3 companies, Channel 4, Five and S4C have to
ensure at least 25 per cent of the total programming they
broadcast is made by independent production companies. Under the
current national legislation to qualify as an independent, a
producer must not have a shareholding greater than 25 per cent in
a broadcaster or be more than 25 per cent owned by a broadcaster.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Ben Bradshaw said:
"Television production spread across the nations and
regions of the UK is good for viewers, good for regional economies
and good for cultural diversity.
"One of the key ambitions of our ‘Digital Britain’
report is to ensure high quality public service content from
multiple providers on multiple platforms. Re-classifying
television producers in the nations will encourage more
independent production and help support the industry in the long term.
"I recognise there are differing views on this proposal
and I’m keen to make sure we hear from all those working within
the television and production sectors."
The consultation will run for 12 weeks and closes on 2 February.
Notes to editors
1. The consultation paper can be found at http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/default.aspx
2. More information about Digital Britain can be found at http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/broadcasting/5631.aspx
3. The principle of having a geographically broad production
base is set out in the Communications Act 2003.
4. The
re-classification proposed could be achieved through a revocation
and replacement of the Broadcasting (Independent Productions)
Order 1991.
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