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Press Releases
Revised arrangements for prop provision & procurement for drama and
entertainment tv programmes
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The Â鶹Éç has revised its arrangements for prop provision and procurement for
drama and entertainment television programmes.
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The changes follow an investigation into allegations made in an article in the
Sunday Times last Autumn.
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The investigation, which had the full cooperation of
independent production companies and the prop supply industry, found that in
every case where an undercover reporter had offered money in exchange for
featuring products, this approach had been refused.
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However, the investigation did find some incidences of product prominence which
were not fully editorially justified, and at the conclusion of the
investigation, Director of Television Jana Bennett announced a programme of
increased awareness of the Â鶹Éç's rules in this area, together with revised
guidance and Â鶹Éç procurement driven best practice.
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The revised guidance has been issued to programme makers this week and
includes:
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 New editorial guidance which advises that all props and services should
be provided at the standard fee and be sourced from approved suppliers.
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A flat fee of £1 will be charged by suppliers for each prop loaned
(although in some cases props will still be purchased for full price if they
are to kept by the production for long term use). Some prop loans will, of
course, still carry a higher loan charge if appropriate. Exceptions to this
procedure will be subject to an approval process.
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All prop orders will be made via a specially-created catalogue on the
Â鶹Éç's computer system, which will also be accessible to independent producers
working for the Â鶹Éç.
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The use of products used will be regularly monitored by production
executives and Â鶹Éç Procurement to guard against the over-use of certain branded
goods, and to ensure a wide range of products and manufacturers are used on Â鶹Éç
programmes.
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The creation of a list of preferred prop suppliers who have agreed to
work within the Â鶹Éç's Editorial Guidelines and the Â鶹Éç's terms of trade.
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A log of donated prizes will be kept in CÂ鶹Éç, which will be regularly
reviewed.
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A programme of training to explain the new guidance and arrangements will now
begin with Â鶹Éç programme makers and independent producers.
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Announcing the new arrangements, Jana Bennett, Director of Â鶹Éç Television, said: "The new arrangements will create an industry standards-setting prop system and
registry catalogue and I am pleased that this had been so positively received
by leading prop provision companies.
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"I was deeply reassured last October that
the investigation found that programme makers acted with integrity in dealing
with offers of payment in exchange for featuring products.
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"I expect Â鶹Éç
programmes to have the highest standards of compliance in this area, and
constant vigilance is necessary.
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"Viewers expect realism in modern drama and
entertainment, but it is important that our procedures and practices are very
transparent in order that confidence in this area can be maintained.
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"I believe
that the revised arrangements being communicated to programme makers this week,
which are the result of the most thorough consultation and review, will enable
us to do this."
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Â鶹Éç Press Office
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