Pact statement on the announcement of BBC Scotland and BBC Three channel closures

This announcement underlines the fact that it is vitally important that the Government comes forward urgently with plans for a sustainable funding model for the BBC, to help end the current uncertainty.

The latest proposed changes must include transparency about any redirected funding and how it will support the wider production sector. Producers need clarity on the commissioning opportunities that BBC Three will continue to provide under iPlayer and across other platforms. We need assurance that they represent an equivalent level of investment and opportunity.

The closure of the BBC Scotland channel inevitably raises questions about the future of Scotland-specific commissioning. The BBC needs to be transparent about how this closure will impact both local and network commissioning opportunities for producers. It’s vital that the BBC ensures that Scotland continues to receive meaningful investment, representation, and opportunities to create content for audiences across the UK.

As channels close Pact is alive to the BBC’s digital first commissioning strategy and how this could inadvertently lead to more producers losing their rights and becoming work for hire. Any transition to a digital-first model must not come at the expense of the intellectual property framework that has underpinned the success of the UK’s independent production sector and enabled producers to invest in future growth.