The BBC and Pact have agreed a new terms of trade deal that gives the broadcaster an automatic 12-month window to play shows made by independent producers on iPlayer.
Currently, content is only guaranteed to be on iPlayer for 30 days, unless by separate negotiation. The BBC believes this new deal with the trade association representing the commercial interests of UK independent television, film, digital, children’s and animation media companies will allow it to compete more effectively with streaming rivals such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.
The BBC will receive an automatic 12-month iPlayer window on all content it commissions. In return, independent producers will receive enhanced back-end on shows.
The BBC has traditionally taken a 15% back-end cut from global distribution revenue and 25% on UK sales. This will fall to 10% and 20% respectively, with the new terms will coming into force from Monday.
BBC Director General Tony Hall said: “Not only have we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting independent UK producers, we have also ensured licence fee payers have access to the best content for at least a year on BBC iPlayer. Everybody wins.”
Pact chair Sara Geater added: “The terms of trade are the lifeblood of the U.K. indie sector and I’m delighted we have reached a mutually beneficial agreement with the BBC which gives them the flexibility to increase exploitation of the programs across the iPlayer as well as their linear services.
“This is obviously crucial at a time of increased competition from the global SVOD players.”
Separate discussions will take place over children’s content, while content commissioned by BBC Three for both linear and online publication will retain its current initial iPlayer window set out in the terms of trade.
