BBC row with TV companies after they attempt to extend iPlayer shows from one month to a year

The BBC has become embroiled in a row with television companies after attempting to extend iPlayer shows from one month to one year.

The corporation is accused of trying to pressurise independent producers into extending the availability of their shows on iPlayer without paying millions in additional licensing fees.

Earlier this month, Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, allowed BBC iPlayer to extend the amount of time box sets could be viewed from 30 days to one year.

The BBC warned that it would become “irrelevant” unless it is allowed to offer box sets and keep shows on iPlayer for at least a year to compete with on-demand platforms such as Netflix and Amazon.

At the moment, the majority of programmes are available for 30 day. US rivals have a window of three years or more and that has become “the new normal” for consumers, the BBC argued.

But independent TV producers say that keeping their shows on iPlayer longer means that they are less valuable when they are later allowed to be sold on to other distributors, which they are currently allowed to do 18 months after they have aired on the BBC.

Ofcom has said the BBC needs to “adequately compensate” producers and that it may have to look to pay a higher price for programming.

However, Pact, the body which represents the UK independent TV production industry, says it has been contacted by members reporting that the BBC is attempting to obtain their sign off on using their shows for longer on the iPlayer without paying more.

Pact said that its concern around the BBC’s behaviour has prompted it to warn its entire member base about the issue.

“The BBC has consistently sought to strong-arm suppliers into giving the BBC these rights for no compensation and without a proper agreement,” John McVay, Pact’s chief executive, told The Guardian.

“Pact has warned its members three times since April that the BBC has not yet reached an agreement with Pact for its ambitious plans.” A BBC spokesman said:

“Both viewers and production companies win by making programmes available for longer on BBC iPlayer.

“This is about keeping up with viewer expectations and is long overdue. Audiences are choosing to consume content on demand and the value they receive from their licence fee should reflect that shift.

“We continue to have conversations with Pact and production companies to make this happen. Longer BBC iPlayer availability does not reduce the opportunities for them commercially, rather, success on the BBC leads to commercial success for independently produced programmes.”