BBC exceeds independent production quota

The BBC achieved an independent production quota of 28.8% in 2003/2004, a figure Ofcom confirmed recently in its Communications Market Review report.
The BBC claims that the figure of 28.8% indicates that the Corporation would have exceeded the 25% quota in 2003/2004 had Endemol still been classified as a non-qualifying independent company and on a 'like for like' basis of comparison with figures compiled by the former OFT method.
BBC's Director of Television Jana Bennett said: "When I came in as Director of Television, I said we would meet and exceed the quota from then on. From my first full year of business, and with Endemol re-classified, we have achieved a figure well above the quota and well beyond the inclusion of those Endemol hours.
"I am committed to staying well above the quota in this current year and in the years to come.
"Underlying these actual statistics is the need for us to keep supporting creatively what independent supply has to offer across the UK and across all programming and genres."
Across the BBC's channels, including its digital services, the BBC commissioned more than 2,300 hours from independents in 2003/04; the highest proportion of independent hours was in entertainment with 47%, followed by 37% for documentaries.
The BBC commissioned 175 independent companies in 2003/4, spending £308m. Independent spend has increased by 64% (£120m) since 2000/1.
Confirmation of the official quota figure follows on from the announcement that the BBC and Pact had completed negotiations and signed Terms of Trade for commissioning programmes from independent producers.
"Taken together, these two significant milestones are tangible proof of our changing and improving relationship with the independent sector which we hope will now go from strength to strength," added Jana Bennett.
(SP)