BBC to appoint indie production 'tsar'

Widespread criticism of the way the BBC deals with the independent sector has prompted the corporation to appoint an executive to represent independent TV producers.
The person appointed will be named in the New Year and will have wide ranging powers to help independent producers find their way around the corporation's TV commissioning labyrinth.
The move follows the independent television commission's report on the UK programming market, which called on the BBC and other public service broadcasters to improve their relationship with independent producers.
Two years ago, BBC Director-General Greg Dyke scrapped the independent commissioning group, which had built a strong reputation among outside programme suppliers for looking after their interests.
These include drawing up a code of practice to govern the BBC's dealings with independents, new terms of trade and establishing an arm's length relationship between the corporation's TV commissioning operation and its commercial arm, BBC Worldwide.
The new BBC independents' executive will act as a point of contact for outside producers wanting to gain access to commissioning editors and help sort out problems.
(GB)