An in-depth report has shed light on the geographical source of Scottish TV production, revealing a significant London presence.
- The report by Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates, commissioned by Screen Scotland, highlights that most of the BBC’s Scottish quota is fulfilled by London-based entities.
- An analysis of producers from 2014 to 2022 indicates that only a fraction of top ‘Scottish’ producers are headquartered in Scotland.
- Channel 4 demonstrates a stronger commitment to Scottish-rooted production compared to the BBC.
- The findings raise concerns about the economic impact and creative opportunities for Scotland within the broadcasting landscape.
A thorough investigation conducted by Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates, commissioned by Screen Scotland, investigates the BBC’s allocation of its Scottish production quotas. This report highlights that a large portion of the BBC’s so-called ‘Scottish’ productions are in fact developed and managed by production firms based in London, utilising their Scottish branch offices to meet Ofcom’s regional production criteria. These findings draw attention to the period between 2014 and 2022, wherein only five of the top 15 producers were actually headquartered in Scotland.
The report notes a stark contrast in the strategies adopted by the BBC and Channel 4. While the BBC chiefly collaborates with London-based producers, Channel 4 strives to partner with companies rooted in Scotland. Only two out of the BBC’s main 11 suppliers are truly Scottish, whereas Channel 4 boasts a broader utilisation of Scotland-headquartered producers, highlighting a more regionally beneficial approach.
Screen Scotland’s research arrives ahead of the enactment of the Media Act 2024 and ongoing reviews such as the Ofcom Public Service Media Review and the 2027 BBC Charter Renewal. The existing framework, shaped by the Communications Act 2003, aimed to fortify regional production diversity and competition. However, Screen Scotland warns that current practices may not yield the desired economic and creative advantages for Scotland, as production spend and on-screen talent often do not meet regional targets.
David Smith, Screen Scotland’s director, voices apprehension regarding the BBC’s reliance on London’s production scene to meet quotas, arguing it diminishes local economic impacts and creative efforts. Smith suggests that the BBC should re-evaluate its commissioning priorities to align with the true intent of regional quotas—fostering sustainable growth and creativity across the UK.
Smith further commends Channel 4’s approach to nurturing Scottish production capabilities, pointing out its more substantial contribution to Scotland’s economy and employment scene. As the BBC’s Charter Renewal approaches in 2027, this juncture is pivotal for embedding regional economic growth and nurturing storytelling from all UK nations.
Angus Robertson, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, reinforces the importance of strengthening Scottish-based commissioning to maximise Scotland’s screen sector’s potential. He underscores the consistent growth in commissioning spend since 2010 and signals the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting this trajectory in collaboration with Ofcom and other public broadcasters.
Recent figures underscore that the Public Service Broadcasting sector’s value in Scotland, quantified at £223.3 million in 2021, spans diverse genres with notable productions such as ‘Only Child’, ‘The Traitors’, and ‘Shetland’. These insights reflect a vibrant yet complex landscape that requires ongoing dialogue and strategic adjustments to maximise regional benefits.
The study underscores critical disparities in the BBC and Channel 4’s approaches to regional production, with implications for Scotland’s economic and creative sectors.
