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UK TV exports hit $650m high TV export revenues from UK indies were the highest on record in 2008, up 80% from 2004, according to a report commissioned by producers trade body Pact. Revenues from international sales and overseas production from the UK independent sector totalled £391m (US$647m) in 2008, according to the Pact Policy Survey and Financial Census 2009.  Overseas indie turnover was more than 80% up on 2004 levels of £215m, according to the report, conducted by Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates.Growth was seen in all areas of international sales, including sales of UK finished programmes to overseas broadcasters and in overseas production of new programmes. The US was found to be the most important market for UK indies, with 24% of respondents saying they had received commissions from the US in the previous 12 months. Non-TV new media revenues witnessed strong growth: they increased 72% to £66m, despite overall TV incomes growing by just 0.5%. Pact CEO John McVay said: "As well as the strength of UK indies in driving exports of completed programmes, the data confirms the success of UK independents in producing new shows in the US market, where many primetime shows for US networks are made by UK indies. The independent sector is starting to produce globally successful companies." However, the census showed less positive results for the UK indie sector as a whole. Turnover grew modestly in 2008 by 1.1% on 2007, after several years of stronger growth. The report also revealed that average profit margins have slipped back down to 8%, comparable to 2004. At the same time, the survey found that indies were investing more and more of their revenues into UK programme production, contributing up to £190m to the financing of UK television content. Pact chair Charles Wace added: "The recent slowing in overall growth shows that independents are not immune to the current downturn and cuts in commissioning budgets, and will need to be more competitive than ever in developing new markets." Jules Grant 3 Jun 2009 © C21 Media 2009 
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