BBC Changes Copyright Terms With Independents

In a reversal of its long-standing policy, the BBC has now changed the way it handles copyright for independent companies that provide it radio programs for broadcast. Instead of keeping the copyright for such programs, it will now license the programs for 10 years. The companies will hold their own copyright in the material. While the deal is not quite as liberal as that in place for independent television companies, which get a five year licensing deal, it’s still much better than what faced the radio producers previously. In addition to keeping copyright, the producers will be able to sell their programs abroad and exploit the possibility of creating new works through other technologies such as podcasting. The industry group Radio Independents Group (RIG) is reported to be pleased with this outcome. Read Julia Day’s story here.