BBC, Pact agree trade terms

The BBC has struck a deal with UK producers’ body Pact over new terms of trade for the commissioning of independent productions.

The agreement includes the extension of the BBC iPlayer window from seven to 30 days, following the announcement last week of BBC director general Tony Hall’s plans to enhance the catch-up service.

It also covers terms for the BBC Store, a new BBC venture that will offer a broader digital video library to viewers.

The BBC said the agreement would result in the corporation and the creative sector working in an “even closer partnership.”

The BBC said in a statement: “Independent production companies will benefit from digital rights being available to the wider market from first broadcast and a reduction in the period before which independently produced programmes can feature on other UK television channels.”

The BBC’s plans to extend the window for BBC iPlayer and launch the BBC Store are subject to approval from its governing body, the BBC Trust.