The BBC has published its first in depth television commissioning supply report.
It’s part of a commitment to provide greater transparency in the commissioning process.
According to the figures:
- The BBC works with more suppliers and more small producers than any other broadcaster;
- It exceeded its independent production quota;
- Met all of its out of London quotas.
It also stated that it had over delivered on its Charter requirement to open up 40% of its programming to tender. The figure is 43%.
It has worked with more than 300 producers over the year. 72 of these were new producers, 58 were commissioned by the Network and 29 were out of London. 36% of producers were indies with a turnover of less than £10m.
50% of suppliers are still based in London, with 6% based in the north of England.
The BBC has 16 network commissioners based out of London and says that it invests around 2% of its commissioning budget to develop new ideas.
It provided funded development to more than 250 companies over the period, with just under 90% going to indies, 10% to BBC Studios and 1% to in-house teams.
Strategic development, including seedcorn funding, talent development and production partnerships supported more than 30 companies in 2018/19, with nearly 80% of these based outside of London.
“We are proud to work with such a vibrant and varied production base. No other broadcaster works with so many producers across so many locations, or supports so many small producers. It means we can continue to tell compelling, authentic stories from right across the UK,” said Helen Blenkinsop, Head of Commissioning Supply.
“In 2018 we also exceeded our first competition target since the creation of BBC Studios, and are committed to working in a fair and transparent way with all producers. By being open and transparent with our suppliers we hope we will increase confidence in how we work and what we do to support the creative health of the whole sector. ”
