MAM
BBC’s agreement gives independent producers control over rights
MUMBAI: This is a deal that provides more stake to independent television producers in the UK. The BBC has signed new terms of trade for commissioning television programmes with them. The deal was signed between the BBC and Pact TV Policy Group which represents independent producers.
One of the key points of the agreement is that the independent producers will own all rights (including copyright) in the programmes they produce. The BBC will take a licence to use programming across its portfolio of channels for a period of five years and to exercise public service new media rights.
The independent producers will control all distribution, including international rights, format rights, commercial new media rights, videos and DVD rights and merchandising, subject to certain protections required to protect the BBC’s licence.
In India BBC World has a deal with Synergy for University Challenge. Miditech produces Wheels for them. Coming back to the UK the agreement applies to all independent television production deals retrospectively from 6 January 2004, for all the Beeb’s public service channels, regional channels in the UK.
BBC Director of Television Jana Bennett said, “The terms of trade herald a new era in our relationship with the independent sector. The agreement represents an historic transfer of value to independents and very much underlines the BBC’s commitment to fostering a robust and successful independent sector.
“BBC Television already benefits from many great independent programmes – we want to foster a more creative and open relationship with independent producers. We believe that the new agreement will support this and will, in the end, bring more original and high quality programmes to our audiences.”
Pact TV Policy Group chairman David Frank added, “This deal provides the framework for a huge improvement in the relationship between the BBC and the independent sector – one based on trust, mutual respect and fair reward on both sides.
“However to make it work we must all adhere to the spirit as well as the letter of the new agreement. “This is not a victory for the independent sector. It is a victory for UK audiences who will get the benefit of programmes being developed and made by a stronger, more vibrant production community capable of taking bigger creative risks than ever before.”
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
