This is the first time the WoCC for BBC Radio has been reported on, as it has only been in full operation for one year. It was introduced following the 2010 BBC Radio Network Supply Review, which concluded that the BBC should: ‘demonstrate a clear focus on delivering high quality and distinctive programming to licence fee payers, in particular through ensuring the best ideas are commissioned regardless of source’.
Currently the BBC Window of Creative Competition for TV is 25% of eligible hours, along with a 25 per cent statutory quota. As TV indies have proven that they can compete successfully on a much bigger scale, RIG is arguing for greater access to radio commissioning on a similar basis.
RIG Chair Phil Critchlow said:
“The 10% WoCC was a first step towards the Trust’s stated aims. We hope that our sector has now proved that, given the chance, we can step up to the plate with great ideas and quality production values. RIG will continue to discuss with the BBC how we might look for further opportunities to work with the Corporation to produce programming that provides maximum value to the Licence Fee Payer”.
Notes
1. The Radio Independents Group (RIG) is the trade body representing the UK independent radio production sector. The sector is made up of approximately 150 creative companies, spread around the whole of the UK. RIG members represent around 95% of industry turnover, which we estimate as a whole to be some £40m. These creative companies make radio content for commercial networks as well as BBC networks. They also are engaged in producing a variety of other content for corporate clients, as well as overseas networks and companies. Audiobooks, podcasts, museum audio‐guides, audio games and other multimedia formats. It is estimated the sector employs well over 1,000 people, mostly in skilled production roles.
2. According to the Performance Against Public Commitments (Page 9), in terms of overall eligible hours, indies were awarded 12% commissions outside the WoCC process, and 8% within the WoCC. Therefore radio indies won 80% of the WoCC. Link to the document below:
https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/annualreport/pdf/2012‐13/bbc‐performance‐against‐public‐commitments‐2012‐13.pdf
*** For press enquiries please contact Tim Wilson, RIG media and policy adviser, on 07909 560 374 or tim at twcentral.co.uk