BBC fails independent productions target for third year

The BBC has, for the third consecutive year, missed the statutory target to ensure that at least 25% of 'qualifying programmes' shown on BBC1 and BBC2 were independent productions, the Office of Fair Trading has said.

In the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003, only 21% of qualifying programmes broadcast on BBC1 and BBC2 were independent productions.

Last year's OFT report found that the BBC achieved a figure of 21.8% between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002, and the eighth report found the BBC achieved a figure of 23.7%.

However, the BBC did meet the secondary requirement that independent programmes were of satisfactory range and diversity in terms of both hours broadcast and cost of acquisition. The monitoring does not extend to the BBC's digital channels.

The OFT today sent its tenth statutory report on the BBC's transmission of independent productions to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Once the OFT has reported, it becomes a matter for the Secretary of State to consider any appropriate action.

In future, Ofcom, rather than the OFT, will be responsible for monitoring the BBC's compliance with its duty to commission programmes from independent producers, and Ofcom will have stronger enforcement powers.

Under proposed amendments to the agreement between the Secretary of State DCMS and the BBC, Ofcom will be entitled to levy a penalty of up to £250,000 on the BBC if it fails to comply with the 25% requirement.

In addition, Ofcom may carry forward any shortfall to the next reporting period, thus providing a further incentive for the BBC to comply with the requirement.

(gmcg)