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Unions urge Ofcom and Channel 4 to Rethink Regional Production Quota

Deep concerns have been raised by Scotland’s largest creative industries unions over Ofcom proposals to allow Channel 4 to allocate 91% of its production budget to projects in England.

The move, which has been criticised by unions in Scotland, has sparked fears over job security with Scottish production companies set to lose out as part of the Ofcom recommendations.

The plans come as part of Channel 4’s wider licencing renewal process. The current licence ends at the end of 2024. In full, the plans would involve 65% of all of Channel 4’s production budget being allocated to London with 91% being attributed to England.

The unions are calling for Channel 4’s ‘Made Outside England’ quota to be increased from 9% to at least 16%, with a specific Scottish quota of 8%. This would bring Channel 4 into line with the BBC, which has had production quotas based on population size since 2009.The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), Bectu/Prospect, Equity, the Musicians Union, the Scottish Artists Union, the NUJ, the Scottish Society of Playwrights and the Writers' Guild of Great Britain have now written to Channel 4 and Ofcom to urge a rethink.

In the letter, the unions say “it is imperative that we ensure that the benefits of our growing creative industries are shared across the UK – allowing people to benefit from job opportunities and greater access to culture”.

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:

“It would be utterly incompatible for Channel 4 – a public service broadcaster – to have it’s production funding allocated in this way that completely neglects the other regions of the UK.

“Public broadcasting should benefit the public as a whole, not just a certain section of the UK.

“Freelancers, creatives, and artists rely on a thriving Scottish production scene to put food on the table and pay the bills. These proposals from Channel 4, which seem to have been accepted by Ofcom, make it harder for workers in Scotland’s creative industries to benefit and get their fair share.

“We would urge a complete rethink from both Ofcom and Channel 4. Public service broadcasters such as Channel 4 should serve us all.”

To view the joint letter please click here.