BBC deal hailed as 'great news'

Comedy writers are to benefit from a new BBC deal over repeat fees.

Under the new agreement, writers whose work is aired on the digital channel BBC7 will receive more pay and a greater say in how their output is used.

Repeat fees are currently well below the corporation's usual rate under a special deal struck to help get the station off the ground.

But this expires on December 14, the first anniversary of BBC7.

The key elements of the new three-year deal are a tenfold increase in the budget for writers' payments, and restoration of the principle that the BBC should obtain writers' permission to repeat programmes. From December, payment rates for BBC7 will work out at just over £30 for a half-hour sitcom.

Mary Kalemkerian, head of programmes for BBC7, said: "It's great news [and] will ensure the continuing success of BBC7."

And Bernie Corbett, general secretary of the Writers Guild of Great Britain added: "The original licence would have resulted in very low payments to writers so we are pleased to have achieved a much better deal.

"BBC7 is not going to make anyone rich, but writers will get worthwhile payments, and some who have written long series could do pretty well.

"The station has already won an enthusiastic audience and I hope guild members will accept the new terms and help it to succeed."

BBC7, which broadcasts seven hours of comedy a day, has been hailed as a success, and is the single most important factor driving the sales of new digital radios. It can also be heard on cable and satellite, and over the web.

The Personal Managers' Association, The Authors' Agents Association, The Publishers' Association and The Society of Authors were also involved in the negotiations.

Published: 7 Aug 2003