MAM
Ofcom confirms BBC independent production quota
MUMBAI: The BBC in the UK has achieved an independent production quota of 28.8 per cent in 2003 – 2004. Regulatory body Ofcom has confirmed this in its Communications Market Review report.
The quota that the BBC had to meet was 25 per cent. Across the BBC’s channels, including its digital services, the BBC had commissioned more than 2,300 hours from independent production houses in 2003 – 2004. The highest proportion of independent hours was in entertainment with 47 per cent. This was followed by 37 per cent for the documentary genre.
The BBC had commissioned 175 independent companies and spent £308 million. Independent spend has increased by 64 per cent (£120m) since 2000/1.Ofcom’s confirmation comes on the heels of an announcement made several days ago that the BBC and Pact, which represents independent UK TV producers, had completed negotiations and signed a terms of trade agreement. As per this content copyright will rest with the producers.
BBC Television director Jana Bennett added, “When I came in as director of television, I said we would meet and exceed the quota from then on. From my first full year of business, and with Endemol re-classified, we have achieved a figure well above the quota and well beyond the inclusion of Endemol hours.
“I am committed to staying well above the quota in this current year and in the years to come. Underlying these actual statistics is the need for us to keep supporting creatively what independent supply has to offer across the UK and across all programming and genres.”
Brands
KKR sixes to power EV charger rollout under VIDA campaign
Cricket meets clean mobility as big hits spark India’s charging growth
NEW DELHI: VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, has teamed up with Kolkata Knight Riders to launch a campaign that turns cricketing flair into real-world impact.
Titled ‘6 for 6’, the initiative promises to install a 6kW fast EV charger for every six hit by KKR during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The idea is simple but powerful, as each big hit on the field contributes directly to expanding India’s fast-charging infrastructure.
The campaign builds on VIDA’s growing network, which already spans over 5,300 fast-charging points across more than 430 cities. With EV adoption gaining pace, the brand is using cricket’s mass appeal to accelerate both awareness and infrastructure growth.
Explaining the thinking behind the move, Hero MotoCorp emerging mobility business unit chief business officer Kausalya Nandakumar said, “Cricket has an incredible ability to unite and inspire millions across the country. With the ‘6 for 6’ campaign, we are turning every big hit on the field into a step towards a cleaner and a more accessible mobility future.”
She added that VIDA’s expanding fast-charging network and removable battery technology are designed to make EV ownership more convenient and practical for everyday users.
From the franchise’s side, the campaign is also about giving on-field moments a larger purpose. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive officer Venky Mysore said, “The ‘6 for 6’ campaign exemplifies the potential of sport as a platform for meaningful, real-world impact. By linking every six to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, this partnership transforms fan excitement into tangible progress.”
As part of the rollout, VIDA has introduced co-branded charging stations in KKR’s signature colours, with a flagship installation unveiled alongside team players. The chargers are designed for quick top-ups, powering VIDA scooters from zero to 80 percent in about an hour, while also being positioned along key highways to support longer journeys.
The initiative also taps into VIDA’s removable battery system, which allows users to charge using standard household plug points, adding flexibility to the charging ecosystem.
By blending the thrill of cricket with the urgency of clean mobility, VIDA and KKR have found a neat way to make every six count twice, once on the scoreboard and again on India’s road to an electric future.
