The Stage

TV agents join forces to insist on repeat fees for presenters

Published Wednesday 11 August 2004 at 11:10 by Joanna Taylor

Television’s most powerful presenters’ agents, representing stars such as Jonathan Ross and Mark Lamarr, have formed a united front to demand repeat fees for their clients, in a move which could potentially cost the industry millions of pounds.

John Thoday, managing director of Avalon, which represents Frank Skinner, and Ross’ agent Addison Cresswell are among a list of high-profile agents who have signed a letter to the BBC, demanding new contracts which will gain their clients extra fees for repeats or sales of their work.

Addressed to the Corporation’s head of rights group production Simon Hayward-Tapp, the letter states: “For some considerable time we have been forced to accept ‘all rights’ contracts on behalf of our presenters.

“Our belief is these agreements are fundamentally unfair, enshrining as they do a concept whereby everybody benefits from their exploitation except the on-screen talent - without whose contributions the programmes would not be possible.”

A signatory of the letter explained that until about seven years ago, presenters worked on contracts similar to those used by actors, which allowed them to benefit when their work was repeated. These have now been faded out and it has become the norm for broadcasters to offer agreements which stipulate the presenter loses all rights in the programme after receiving their initial fee.

It was added: “This not only means they do not get anything when a programme is sold it also means they get nothing from the merchandising for a programme.

“This affects all agents. You can only negotiate repeats or residuals for your client if they are a major name who can call the shots. A change could mean millions across the whole industry.”

The alliance, numbering, among others, Jeremy Hicks Associates, Deborah McKenna Ltd, Talkback and ICM, also intends to approach the commercial channels, including ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 with the demands.

The letter continues that presenters are regularly obliged to take low fees with broadcasters citing reasons such as the programme will be shown off-peak or on a non-terrestrial channel.

“So it is doubly unfair when the programme is then sold on to other channels, territories and time slots. We are looking for a system which fairly reflects the exploitation of the product - a position already enjoyed by musicians, writers and actors on our screens,” it continues.

Actors and musicians work from contracts negotiated for them by their unions. However, despite being able to join Equity, the union does not negotiate contracts with the BBC on behalf of presenters.