BBC & Pact Set New Terms for Children’s Programming

The BBC and Pact have agreed to a new terms of trade deal for children’s programming commissioned by the broadcaster.

The agreement increases the flexibility between linear channels and VOD. The change will allow young viewers to access their favorite programs in a complete box-set on BBC iPlayer for at least four years—a significant increase on the current window.

The BBC will have a guaranteed period of four years of flexible use across its public service platforms, whether on-demand or linear, within the initial payment to independent producers. After that period, there are further payments due to the producer for the BBC to keep using the program. For titles that continue to be recommissioned, a payment of 1 percent per year is required, continuing for as long as the program is a returning brand. For titles that are not recommissioned, the BBC is entitled to make the 1 percent annual payment for three further years, and if the BBC wants those three further years to remain exclusive to the BBC then an additional 1 percent per year is payable.

The BBC’s program release policy will continue to apply and will be exercised in a “fair and transparent way.” The BBC will take a reduced backend, giving up 5 percent on each category of program sales, meaning greater commercial returns for independent producers.

Bal Samra, group commercial director, said: “This is a groundbreaking deal which future proofs our delivery to children’s audiences, providing maximum flexibility for the very best content whether on our branded channels or as complete box sets on BBC iPlayer.”

Patricia Hidalgo, director of children’s and education, added: “This new deal is great news for our audience, who will no longer have just a 30-day window to watch their favorite programs on BBC iPlayer. Great shows that our youngest audiences love will now be available as full box sets for four years, meaning kids really can watch, whenever and however they want.”

John McVay, Pact’s chief executive, commented: “Having concluded terms of trade for other genres earlier this year, Pact is pleased to agree to new terms of trade for children’s producers who will benefit from an automatically shorter initial license period than other genres (down to four years from five years) and an increased share of net receipts.”