UK Regulator To Step Into New Media Rights Dispute

If you thought the U.S. networks-vs-affiliates battle was going to be pitched (Fox just resolved its side of the things), watch out for the UK market, where they don’t have the issue of affiliates, but independent TV production sector (which is much stronger there than in U.S.). UK media regulator Ofcom has set broadcasters a deadline of May 31 to come to an agreement with indie producers over new media rights guidelines, or it will step in and solve the problem itself.
ITV, Channel 4, the BBC and Channel Five all missed the March 21 deadline to submit proposals to Ofcom to resolve this issue…on the other hand Channel 4 did do a mini-deal of its own with independent producer All3Media to make soap Hollyoaks the first Channel 4 show to be broadcast in its entirety on mobile phones the day after transmission on TV.
One key area in dispute is the demand by broadcasters to have a free “catch-up” window so viewers with broadband can download programmes at no extra cost. The BBC already has a seven-day agreement with the indies, which was negotiated with the launch of its forthcoming new Interactive Media Player in mind.

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