25.11.02
BBC
Wordwide response to ITC report
BBC
Worldwide today acknowledged the ITC's report on the programme supply
market in British broadcasting as a significant document of enquiry
and proposals.
BBC
Worldwide Chief Executive, Rupert Gavin, said: "The independent
sector is an important part of our business. Over the past five
years, BBC Worldwide's investment in independent productions and
profit payments to independent producers has grown by 84%, from
£20 million in 1997/8 to £36.7 million in 2001/2.
"Equally,
our position as Europe's leading television exporter and the biggest
UK-based international television channel operator has contributed
substantially to the performance of a range of independent companies.
We increasingly work with indies on the exploitation of non-BBC
related rights.
"We
are pleased that the report recognises our significant strength
as a global distributor and the value that it returns to the BBC
and the licence payer.
"While
the UK ranks second in terms of global TV exports, the market is
dominated by the US. Our role is therefore vital in ensuring that
British programming has the support and marketing scale that it
needs in order to thrive in the international marketplace.
"We
operate to a strict code of fair trading practices and on an arms
length basis from the rest of the BBC. BBC Worldwide is externally
audited and has been repeatedly endorsed for its fair-trading compliance.
BBC Worldwide bids for exploitation rights in independent productions
based solely on the estimated marketplace value of these rights.
"To
ensure ever greater separation in the process, we have agreed with
the BBC that where we are holding discussions directly with an indie,
we will not keep the BBC informed of the commercial proposals that
are being made to that indie ahead of commission.
"BBC
Worldwide is committed to maintaining the position of Director of
Independents which was established within its structure 4 years
ago and which has been a key to the growth of its business with
indies."
Notes to Editors
BBC
response to ITC Programme Supply Report
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