For a period of five years, it has been suggested that major streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video may not be allowed to purchase BBC content.
Apparently, the business intends to extend its exclusive period over shows from 18 months to five years, according to trade group Pact, which represents independent production companies.
The BBC allegedly wants to combat the growing danger posed by streaming behemoths. Bodyguard, Peaky Blinders, Dracula, The Salisbury Poisonings, and Informer are just a few of the dramas available on Netflix from the BBC. Older Line of Duty episodes are also broadcast.
However, there have always been concerns about the broadcaster’s motivations for providing the material that allows subscription businesses to entice BBC viewers away.
The BBC is reportedly planning to eliminate the secondary window for sales of independent commissions, which is now set at 18 months, producers’ group Pact reportedly informed its members.
Last night, the company declared that it was “examining our secondary sales policy in the UK,” not implementing a ban.
The SVoDs [subscription video on demand services] are and remain key partners to the BBC, according to the BBC.
It is believed that the BBC consented to hold off on implementing the proposals until more discussion had taken place in response to Pact’s worries.
It happened at the same time as Tim Davie, the director-general of the BBC, pledged yesterday to collaborate with others in determining the corporation’s finance in the future, with the licence fee likely to be eliminated in the long run.
He stated in a statement to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) that the company was “open-minded” about the future of the fee.