Regional production and regional programme definitions announced

Ofcom today announced new definitions for regional production and regional programmes that will apply to all public service broadcasters from January 2005.

ITV, Channel 4, Five, BBC1, BBC2 and BBC digital channels together, are required to provide an agreed amount and range of programmes made outside the M25.

For the first time, there will now be a single definition for regional production which will apply to all broadcasters. This will help to ensure that the important new statutory requirements in this area are applied fairly, consistently and effectively, leading to genuine investment in regional programme making.

The definitions were agreed following the formal consultation Ofcom held in December 2003.

A 'regional production' will have to meet at least two of the following criteria:

The production company must have a substantive business and production based outside the M25
At least 70% of the production budget must be spent outside the M25
At least 50% of the production staff should be working outside the M25

Similarly, to count as 'regional programmes' the same rules apply but 'in the region' should replace 'outside the M25'.

Tim Suter, Partner Content and Standards, said:

"Programmes that serve and reflect regional audiences are key elements of public service broadcasting. The Communications Act commits broadcasters to invest in genuine regional production for the networks. Ofcom takes this responsibility very seriously."

Ends.

NOTES FOR EDITORS AND CSEs

1. The regional production requirements for licensed PSB channels are contained in sections 286 (ITV and Five) and 288 (Channel 4) of the 2003 Communications Act. The regional programme requirements for ITV are contained in section 287. The relevant sections of the BBC Agreement are 5G (regional programmes) and 5H (regional production).

2. Ofcom is the independent regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.

Our duties include:

The promotion of choice, quality and value in electronic communications services, where appropriate by encouraging competition between the providers of those services
Ensuring the most efficient use of the radiocommunications spectrum - the airwaves used for the transmission of all non-military wireless communications services
Ensuring a wide range of electronic communications services, including broadband, is available across the UK
Ensuring a wide range of TV and radio programmes of high quality and wide appeal
Maintaining plurality in the media by ensuring a sufficiently broad range of ownership
The protection of audiences against offensive or harmful material, unfairness or the infringement of privacy on TV and radio

For further details please visit www.ofcom.org.uk.

CONTACT

Ofcom Media Office
mediaoffice@ofcom.org.uk
(+44) (0)20 7981 3033

Regional production and regional programme definitions announced

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