Session

Terms of Trade in a Time of Change

Wednesday, September 30, 2015
4:30 PM - 5:15 PM
Belgrave

In 2003, the UK government passed the Communications Act, which brought about terms of trade through which UK producers could own the programs they make, and retain rights to sell them internationally. But in 2015, the independent production landscape has undergone significant change. While indie prodcos that are part-owned by broadcasters don’t qualify under the terms, consolidation of the sector and the rise of the super-indie has been a cause for concern for certain PSBs and other stakeholders. Now, UK broadcast regulator Ofcom has been tasked with undertaking yet another “health-check” for the terms of trade. This ‘Town Hall’ session will examine the causes for concern on both sides of the question, addressing how potential changes to the terms could impact the flourishing UK indie sector while also discussing how the winds of change sweeping through the production and broadcasting industries could be reflected within the terms going forward.