The BBC has released its annual "Commissioning Supply Report" for the financial year 2023/24, underscoring its commitment to UK homegrown content while also revealing a drop in the proportion of original programming supplied by qualifying independent producers. According to the report, highlighted by the BBC Media Centre and analyzed by Televisual, the corporation commissioned 81% of its output from UK-based producers, with 61% of spend allocated to content produced outside of London, meeting its key regulatory obligations to foster regional production.
Across all television genres, including drama, documentaries, and entertainment, the BBC commissioned a total of 2,037 hours of first-run original programming, of which 1,399 hours—or 69%—came from qualifying indies. This represents a decline from 77% in the previous year, although the BBC noted this still exceeds its 25% quota requirement and reflects ongoing structural challenges in the independent production sector.
Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer, stated: “The BBC remains the biggest single investor in UK original content, supporting the creative economy and ensuring audiences see themselves reflected on screen. Our commissioning decisions deliver real value to the UK economy, particularly in the Nations and Regions, and we remain committed to collaborating with independent producers of all sizes despite the tough market conditions they face.”
The report also emphasizes the BBC’s effort to maintain diversity of supply, noting that the number of suppliers from the Nations and Regions continues to grow. BBC Studios, the corporation’s own commercial production arm, accounted for 27% of eligible content, while non-qualifying independents and in-house productions made up the remainder.
The decline in hours from qualifying indies has been attributed by the BBC to rising costs, industry-wide inflation, and consolidation in the production market, which have squeezed smaller players and led to fewer commissions from the qualifying pool.
Despite these challenges, the BBC reiterated its strategic focus on supporting smaller and regional indies through targeted initiatives and continued investment in skills and development programs. With 61% of spend outside London and 81% of hours rooted in the UK, the corporation argues it remains a cornerstone of the UK creative industries, balancing economic impact with editorial ambition.
The data in the report reflects a year of heightened competition and budgetary pressure, yet also a clear commitment to sustaining homegrown, diverse storytelling at scale—a core part of the BBC’s public service remit and commercial strategy.
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