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Online Journalism News

External web producers missing out on BBCi work

Posted: 15/01/04 By: Jemima Kiss
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British web producers are losing out because of the chaotic commissioning process at BBCi, according to PACT, the Producers' Alliance for Cinema and Television.

Speaking to UK publication New Media Age last week, PACT claimed that the corporation's commissioning process is ineffective and unclear.

"This is primarily a question of access and how the BBC works with producers," said Claire Scally, interactive media executive for PACT.

"There's no quota for interactive production, and from our own research we've estimated that it accounts for only 2.9 per cent of their external content spend."

Many PACT members - independent film, TV and new media producers across the UK - feel that the structure prevents third-party commissions and stifles competitiveness.

PACT has outlined its concerns in a formal submission to the Philip Graf review of BBCi, the official government review of the BBC's online services.

"We have asked for a significant increase in commissions from independent producers.

"We’ve tried to be realistic, but this is essential for creative diversity," Ms Scally told dotJournalism.

The PACT report is the latest in a series of submissions to the Graf review. Many major commercial media organisations in the UK have claimed that BBCi’s commercial practice is having an increasing impact on the commercial sector.

Responding in an open letter to New Media Age, Ashley Highfield, director of BBC new media, stated that the corporation is dedicated to working with third party producers.

"Since the beginning of this financial year we have worked with more than 150 external suppliers, producing a range of critically acclaimed and award-winning sites including CBeebies, Ghosts of Albion and Spooks," he said.

Mr Highfield added that the BBC web site clearly lists the corporation's guidelines for commissioning, though he could not comment directly on the issues raised in the PACT submission to the Graf review.

"We will continue to strengthen our relationships with external suppliers and make every effort to be as transparent as possible with our process."

See also:
http://www.pact.co.uk
http://www.newmediazero.com/lo-fi/story.asp?id=245677
http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/policies/online_review.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning
http://www.journalism.co.uk/news/story770.shtml
http://www.journalism.co.uk/news/story763.shtml