Screen Scotland’s recent report questions the true Scottish impact of BBC’s commissioned projects.
- A study reveals that only a handful of top ‘Scottish’ producers are actually headquartered in Scotland, with many based in London.
- Channel 4 shows a more Scotland-focused approach compared to the BBC in fulfilling production obligations.
- Concerns arise over economic and creative opportunities lost due to current commissioning practices.
- The upcoming Media Act 2024 and BBC Charter renewal may reshape these dynamics.
A comprehensive report by Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates Ltd (O&O), commissioned by Screen Scotland, reveals significant insights into the commissioning practices of major public service broadcasters like the BBC and Channel 4. The research examined data spanning 2014 to 2022 for projects identified as ‘Scottish’ under Ofcom’s classification guidelines. A key finding indicates that a large portion of the BBC’s Scottish content was actually developed by companies based in London that maintain branch offices in Scotland. This has raised flags about the authenticity of these Scottish designations and their economic implications.
The data points out that of the top 15 producers creating ‘Scottish’ content, only five are truly headquartered in Scotland, while the remaining producers operate primarily from London. Their productions qualified as Scottish by meeting Ofcom’s criteria, which includes maintaining a ‘substantive base’ in Scotland. As a result, the authenticity of the regional contributions has been called into question. It was noted that the BBC has predominantly relied on London-based producers, with 80% of its total episodes being commissioned from these companies.
In contrast, Channel 4 has demonstrated a distinctly different approach by engaging primarily with producers that are based in Scotland, thereby providing more substantial support to the Scottish economy and production workforce. With three out of four of its main suppliers headquartered in Scotland, Channel 4 seems poised to offer greater creative and economic benefits within the region compared to the BBC’s practices, where only two producers out of the top eleven were Scotland-based.
The study, initiated ahead of impending regulatory changes with the Media Act 2024 and the renewed BBC Charter expected in 2027, highlights the potential for reform. This act follows the significant legislative milestones set by the Communications Act 2003, which introduced quotas aimed at boosting diversity and regional production in broadcasting. Screen Scotland has voiced concerns that the current quota system may not be fulfilling its intended purpose, particularly emphasizing the lack of notable economic benefits or growth of creative hubs within Scotland.
A viewpoint shared by David Smith, director of Screen Scotland, urges for a reevaluation of the BBC’s commissioning culture. Smith stresses the importance of not only meeting platform-specific quotas but also committing to the original intent of fostering regional production clusters in Scotland. This is essential to drive regional growth and uplift local storytelling talent, pushing the idea that ‘British’ content should truly represent all regions rather than being concentrated primarily in London.
Scottish government officials, including Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, echo these sentiments. Robertson highlights the need for Scottish-based commissioning to unlock the full potential of Scotland’s creative industry and ensure it contributes meaningfully to the nation’s economy. The enduring strength of Scotland’s television production sector is reflected in the steady increase in commissioning spending, underpinning the importance of fair representation in public broadcasting.
The findings demonstrate a need for more authentic Scottish representation in public broadcasting commissions.
