Producers Seek Higher BBC Spending

The trade body for independent producers has welcomed the BBC Strategy Review's focus on UK content - but has also called for a higher proportion of their income to be spent on locally-made programming.

In their submission to the BBC Strategy Review consultation, the group Pact has proposed that the BBC's target of 90% spend must be against all sources of income - including earnings from BBC Worldwide - rather than against expenditure.

This should mean a significant increase in spend on key public service genres, in particular UK-originated children's television and UK-originated films.

In addition, there should be more clarity over their definition of 'content' and distribution, preferably consistent with Ofcom definitions to avoid confusion in the industry.

Chief Executive of Pact, John McVay said: "The BBC exists to deliver great content to the license fee payer, so all of that income should be spent on doing just that. UK-made content must be at the heart of what the BBC does."

Other proposals put forward in Pact's submission include:

• The BBC should go further to reduce imports and only buy them where there is a clear public service rationale
• They should review the current 50% in-house guarantee to demonstrate why it should be maintained and whether the current commissioning structures are optimal
• Stop the proposed cuts in online investment

Clarify their figures and definitions to provide more transparency for all

(BMcN/BMcC)