BBC
Code of Practice approved by Ofcom
The
BBC's new Code of Practice for commissioning programmes from independent
producers has been approved by Ofcom.
A requirement
of the Communications Act, the codes - developed by the BBC as well
as ITV, Channel 4, five and GMTV - will create a new framework that
will serve both broadcasters and producers and enhance the creative
and economic potential of the UK television industry.
The
intention of the code is to ensure that relations between the BBC
and independent producers are conducted on a fair and transparent
basis.
The
new framework will provide independent producers with greater opportunities
to retain rights in the programmes which they produce and, if they
wish, to develop those rights for their own purposes.
The
key element of the BBC's new code is a "transfer of value"
to the indies. The BBC will pay the same amount for programmes but
will retain fewer rights for onward sale and exploitation.
The
BBC will now negotiate the terms of trade with PACT (the Producers
Alliance for Cinema and Television).
Until
these are agreed at the end of March, the BBC will put letters of
trust into place ensuring production companies that all new deals
from 6 January 2004 will be dealt with under the new code.
Sara
Geater, BBC Director of Rights and Business Affairs, said: "We
very much welcome Ofcom's approval of our Code. We hope this will
be a significant development in our relations with independent production
companies and it is one which we have worked very hard to achieve."
Elaine
Bedell, the BBC's Independent Executive, commented: "This is
a big step forward. By buying a primary rights package - a fixed
price deal - all details can be established at an early stage which
is mutually beneficial to both the BBC and to independents."
Notes
to Editors
The
code of practice for the BBC's dealings with independent producers
for television programmes commissioned by the BBC
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