TV
Big Brother producer Endemol Entertainment could lose its contract to make GMTV, it has emerged.
GMTV's two Sunday programmes are on the verge of being axed following the reclassification of Endemol as a broadcaster after last year's takeover by the Spanish telecoms company, Telefonica.
Under UK law, the BBC and ITV must commission out 25% of programming to independents.
In order to meet the quota, therefore, GMTV will either have to find a replacement independent to produce the two shows, or bring in a new independent to produce another part of programming output.
Peter Bazalgette, head of Endemol UK, is negotiating with the DCMS to overturn the ruling.
Last week, Jon de Mol, president of Endemol, urged the government to alter the legislation. "If we were talking about foreign investment in the car or technology industries, I'm sure the British government would welcome it with open arms," he said.
GMTV's two Sunday programmes are on the verge of being axed following the reclassification of Endemol as a broadcaster after last year's takeover by the Spanish telecoms company, Telefonica.
Under UK law, the BBC and ITV must commission out 25% of programming to independents.
In order to meet the quota, therefore, GMTV will either have to find a replacement independent to produce the two shows, or bring in a new independent to produce another part of programming output.
Peter Bazalgette, head of Endemol UK, is negotiating with the DCMS to overturn the ruling.
Last week, Jon de Mol, president of Endemol, urged the government to alter the legislation. "If we were talking about foreign investment in the car or technology industries, I'm sure the British government would welcome it with open arms," he said.
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