ITC Moves To Protect Content Of British TV
The Government could be set to introduce more effective safeguards to prevent foreign broadcasters from flooding the British television market with imported programmes once the foreign ownership regulations have been relaxed.
In a report published today, the Independent Television Commission outlines its proposals to give new super-regulator, Ofcom, the power to introduce strict guidelines to protect investment in original UK production once the Communications Bill clears the way for non-EU ownership of British Broadcast assets (see Government Finally Publishes Communications Bill).
The report, which was commissioned in response to concerns raised by the Joint Scrutiny Committee (see Committee Advises Government To Rethink Media Ownership), also suggests that broadcasters should face stiff fines for failing to meet independent production quotas, which currently state that television companies must commission 25% of their output from independent programme makers.
The ITC suggests that public service broadcasters should develop codes of practice to provide a “clear high-level framework” for their dealings with independent producers, in order to strengthen the long-term viability and and growth potential of the independent sector.
Commenting on the report, Patricia Hodgson, chief executive of the ITC, said: “Television is a vital part of our economy, society and culture. It needs to offer viewers the best possible programmes at the lowest cost.”
Sir Robin Biggam, chairman of the ITC, added: “The report concludes that if the terms of trade of the programme supply market are improved, will not only viewers benefit, but the future market potential for UK creative output could be immense.”
The ITC is not proposing any major changes to the independent production quota. However, the report is said to have been welcomed by independent producers who have regularly criticised the BBC’s attitude towards outside programme makers.
Last week the ITC and the BSC published a report, which suggests that audiences from minority ethnic groups are concerned about the use of negative stereotypes and the over-simplified portrayals of their communities on television (see Ethnic Minorities Criticise TV And Radio Stereotypes).
ITC: 0207 306 7743 www.itc.org.uk
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