BBC - Commissioning TV - Commercial Availability

Production and Delivery

Commercial Availability

Commercial Availability FAQs

What is Commercial Availability?
Where can I find it?
Which programmes are included?
What about older TV programmes?
Which distribution formats are available?
How does Commercial Availability work?
How have distributors been selected?
Which suppliers are involved?
How have suppliers been selected?
What do I have to do?
What should I do if my programme is not included?
Who do I contact if I need further information?

What is Commercial Availability?

‘Commercial Availability’ is the new name for the BBC’s guide to help audiences find programmes the BBC has commissioned and which are now accessible in commercial spaces.

This has been available for radio programmes for the last couple of years under the title ‘Buyer’s Guide’ directing audiences to audiobooks in the form of CDs and audio downloads. It has also featured links to commercially available BBC music sessions.

We have now changed the name to ‘Commercial Availability’ and extended it to include some television programmes available on DVD and Blu-ray disc. We intend to increase both the range of programmes and the range of formats over the coming months.

Commercial Availability forms part of a renewed commitment to increase access to BBC programmes.

Where can I find it?

‘Commercial Availability’ appears as a dedicated section on relevant programme pages. These are the automated pages that the BBC creates for every episode of every programme it broadcasts. Together they attract over 2.5 million visitors a week.

You can see an example of how this appears on the Gavin & Stacey programme page in the image below and further examples of television programme pages that include Commercial Availability here: Louis Theroux and Little Britain, and radio programme pages here: I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, Fry's English Delight.

During 2012, TV programme pages will be brought together with BBC iPlayer and the TV channel sites to form a single home for the BBC’s television programmes online. Commercial Availability links will then appear within this integrated product.

Which programmes are included?

For radio, we intend to include all programmes that are available as audiobooks. We will also be providing links to music sessions that have been broadcast by the BBC.

For television, we are starting by providing information for products related to current and recently broadcast programmes.

There are two types of programme that are not yet in this guide:

BBC commissioned Children’s TV programmes, and
Acquisitions.

What about older TV programmes?

To begin with, only TV programmes that have had a recent brand-related broadcast will appear. However, it is the BBC’s long-term ambition that this guide should become a key means for audiences to find all BBC commissioned programmes that are available in commercial spaces. We intend to expand the service gradually to make older titles available.

Which distribution formats will be available?

For radio programmes the service already includes links to listen online or buy CDs and audio downloads. Music sessions are available to stream with ads and as physical products and downloads.

For television programmes the service currently includes links to physical products: DVDs and Blu-ray discs. During 2012 we will begin to link to other TV distribution formats including download to own (DTO) and streaming video on demand (VOD).

How does Commercial Availability work?

The BBC regularly collects data on product release from participating distributors of BBC commissioned programmes. The distributor data is matched with information on current product availability provided by participating online suppliers. The available products from these suppliers are then displayed on the relevant television programme pages.

How have TV distributors been selected?

We have invited all relevant distributors of DVD and Blu-ray discs to take part. If you believe other distributors should be included please contact the BBC via commercialavailability@bbc.co.uk.

How have suppliers been selected?

The BBC has published criteria for suppliers participating in the Commercial Availability guide and holds regular selection rounds. If you are an online supplier who would like to be considered please check you meet the selection criteria and, if so, use the online application form available there.

What do I have to do?

If you are an independent production company you do not have to do anything. The BBC collects all necessary data on products from distributors. If you want to confirm that your programmes are included please contact your distributor.

If you are a distributor who would like to be involved please get in touch at commercialavailability@bbc.co.uk.

If you are an online supplier who would like to participate, firstly check that you fulfil the BBC’s supplier selection criteria and if so, use the online application form available there.

What should I do if my programme is not included?

First confirm that your programme falls into the categories currently included in the service.

If you believe your programme falls into these categories you should contact your distributor to confirm that they are taking part.

Who do I contact if I need further information?

If you have any further questions contact the BBC at commercialavailability@bbc.co.uk

BBC - Commissioning - Commercial Availability