Radio freelances join forces

BECTU is urging all radio freelances to attend a meeting to discuss recent worrying developments for freelance radio producers and sole traders.

Radio producers and directors are often left out in the cold when it comes to negotiating fair contracts relating to copyright and payment terms with the BBC, commercial radio and independent radio production companies. BECTU has minimum rates of pay which help to act as guidelines for broadcasters and production companies, but more often than not experienced producers are offered only the minimum rates of pay.

BECTU official Jim Carroll said: "Many radio stations offer rates well below the minimum guidelines. Ultimately, the industry is the loser, if it can really only afford to employ young radio enthusiasts eager to get on the first rung of the radio production ladder."

Freelance producers deserve respect for the work they do, and in the case of the independent productions for the BBC, they are regularly asked to research and develop ideas for independent production companies for no fee. If they are lucky enough to get a BBC commission, more often than not, they are expected to give up the copyright to the more than a production fee.

The BBC needs to recognise where a lot of ideas for independent production companies come from and enable independent producers to offer fair terms to their freelance producers.

Part of the problem is that individual freelances often feel out on a limb, vulnerable, and alone when it comes to negotiating contracts, and the last thing they want is to be seen as unreasonable, so it is easy for unscrupulous employers to try to exploit that.

BECTU has recognised this, and is inviting all freelances to attend a meeting on their behalf at BECTU head office, 111 Wardour St, London W1 at 1900 on 10 September 1998. Speaker: Jeffrey Adams, BECTU copyright consultant

All welcome; there will be an opportunity to ask questions.