Ofcom, the new communications super-regulator, has given the green light to new codes of practice drawn up by the public-service broadcasters - the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five and GMTV - for commissioning programmes from independent producers.

The codes are a requirement of the Communications Act 2003 and seek to create a new framework designed to provide independent producers with more opportunities to retain rights in the programmes that they produce. The producers can then use those rights for their own purposes. Ofcom says this will "enhance the creative and economic potential of the UK television industry."

Broadcasters and independent producers are now expected to thrash out more detailed terms of trade. Once that process is completed, the new codes will go into effect. Ofcom is encouraging all parties to ensure the process is completed in a "relatively short space of time."

Ofcom's chief executive, Stephen Carter, said:

"These codes are the first steps to greater creative and commercial opportunities for the independent production community. We hope that the next steps will be equally effective."