Please note that the suggested rates below are minima; that rates for copyright works are for limited licences; and that VAT is not included.
See notes on negotiating rates and
find a freelance.
Rates are highest for Group A - network television - and get progressively lower down to Group D - local radio. Most rates here are minima specified in an NUJ agreement with the BBC, which will serve as a guide to rates for other broadcasters. In the Independent Television sector, Channel 5 pays least well among terrestrial channels and satellite and cable stations are, similarly, at the low end. Some rates, such as those for expert interviewees and production shifts are not part of the agreement but are "going rates".
The agreement also specifies Group F rates, covering use of words on broadcasters' websites.
Read me first! Broadcasting advice
Uploaded: 2008-05-05; if you have a printout, check the current version at www.londonfreelance.org/feesguide/BrBBCRat.html
Reported rates, to compare for Broadcasting BBC and national TV
The suggested rates
(know a better rate? tell us!)
For full definitions of the categories, click on their names
For full definitions of the categories, click on their names
See: BECTU/PACT production agreement independent sector
NUJ members discuss rates etc for broadcasting | RATES:
A: Network television BBC and national TV category: see glossary! | ||
|---|---|---|
| The terms of art for kinds of work in national TV are explained in the glossary. | ||
| Supplied video, up to 8 seconds, not less than |  |
270 |
| Day rate for on-line production | |
195 |
| Day rate for reporting (using BBC camera crews & equipment) | |
236 |
| Track | |
67 |
| Phono up to 4 min | |
59 |
| Phono over 4 min | |
84 |
| TV Live / DTL (Down the Line) | |
67 |
| Track and PTC (Piece To Camera) | |
106 |
| Track and PTC and rushes | |
167 |
| Interview: assumes half day shoot and half day edit | |
201 |
| Disco/Donut | |
94 |
| News package, researched reported and edited (up to 7 min) | |
257 |
| Feature (commissioned by World Features or direct by programme, researched and edited) | |
485 |
| BBC4 feature - commissioned exclusively, direct by programme, researched reported and edited | |
728 |
| Reversioning/re-editing of World Feature for BBC4 | |
244 |
| DV feature (3 min) shot and edited on own equipment | |
1159 |
| DV feature (3 min) shot on own camera | |
966 |
| DV feature (3 min) shot with BBC camera, unedited | |
580 |
| DV feature (3 min) shot and edited with BBC equipment | |
773 |
| Live TV commentary (out of vision) up to 4 mins | |
67 |
| Live TV commentary (out of vision) over 4 mins | |
85 |
| Walk and talk | |
108 |
Notes:
- The rates quoted above for shifts are going rates for 7 hours' work (8 hours with a break). Charge more pro rata for the increasingly common 10-hour shifts.
- Freelances should remember that if they are paid to work a shift they are entitled to paid time off on top - see Shift payments: tax and time off
- See also the notes for category B below.
| RATES:
B: Network radio + World Service news BBC and national TV category: see glossary! | ||
|---|---|---|
| The terms of art for kinds of work in network radio are explained in the glossary. | ||
| Reporting - day rate (12-hour news gathering shift) | |
238 |
| Edited package - non-news programme (up to 7 min) | |
216 |
| Production - night-shift (eg 22.00 - 06.00) add | |
60 |
| Production - day rate (11-hour shift) | |
194 |
| Production - day rate (10-hour shift) | |
194 |
| Expert guest (up to 30 min on-air) | |
150 |
| Expert guest (between 4 and 6 min on-air) | |
125 |
| Expert guest - news programmes (up to 4 min on-air) | |
90 |
| Expert guest - discussion programmes (3-4 min on-air) | |
65 |
| Disturbance fee for appearing on early or late programmes (before 8 am and after 8 pm) | |
25 |
| Straight piece/despatch researched and reported incl Generic Minute, up to 2 min | |
67 |
| Straight piece/despatch researched and reported incl Generic Minute, over 2 min | |
78 |
| Two-way, up to 4 min | |
59 |
| Two-way, over 4 min | |
85 |
| Recorded interview or commentary (as live), up to 5 min, negotiate from | |
104 |
| Recorded interview or commentary (as live), over 5 min negotiate from | |
148 |
| Press Review | |
104 |
| Actuality / vox pop, specifically requested by Desk | |
52 |
| Newscopy (without Generic Minute) | |
21 |
| Illustrated Despatch (with 1-2 clips), up to 2 min | |
94 |
| Short package/wrap (eg on the day, multiple voices and fx), over 2 min | |
161 |
| Feature, researched reported and edited | |
266 |
| Live donut with guest(s) incl contributors, corr 2-way, links, actuality etc | |
94 |
| Meet and greet guests add expenses, anti-social hours uplift and a minimum of | |
50 |
Notes:
- The rates quoted above for packages were negotiated with the BBC in 2005 and are exclusive of expenses and research.
- Increase the fee pro rata for packages longer than 7 minutes.
- Some programmes pay considerably more than the fees quoted above. Twice as much is not uncommon. Talk to other freelances and negotiate.
- Do not underestimate the time taken to research the package. It is usually possible to negotiate a multiple of the day rate - anything between 1 day and 2-3 days, depending on the complexity of the work.
- Be clear about what the freelance is being commissioned to produce. Not all producers and programmes want the same from freelances. Some programmes demand that material is submitted fully edited, while others expect to edit the final package themselves.
- Experienced broadcasters favour a daily or shift rate as this best reflects the amount of work done.
- Freelances should remember that if they are paid to work a shift they are entitled to paid time off on top - see Shift payments: tax and time off
- Claim expenses including a taxi to and from the studio for guest appearances.
| RATES:
C: Regional + the nations TV BBC and national TV category: see glossary! | ||
|---|---|---|
| Freelances should negotiate starting from these figures - having checked local conditions with the Mother or Father of the NUJ Chapel; the Broadcasting Office will supply contact details to NUJ members. | ||
| Researching - day rate | |
140 |
| Reporting - day rate | |
140 |
| Production - day rate | |
140 |
| Guest or expert appearances (3-4 min on-air) | |
52 |
| Disturbance fee for appearing on early or late programmes | |
25 |
Notes:
- Freelances should remember that if they are paid to work a shift they are entitled to paid time off on top - see Shift payments: tax and time off
- Some station managers will insist that shift workers are paid as "casual staff" with tax and National Insurance deducted
- The rates quoted above for shifts are going rates for 7 hours' work (8 hours with a break). Charge more pro rata for the increasingly common 10-hour shifts.
- Negotiate a pro rata increase in fees for anything over 4 minutes on air.
- Claim expenses including a taxi to and from the studio for guest appearances.
| RATES:
D: Local + the nations radio BBC and national TV category: see glossary! | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reporting/production - day rate (more experienced broadcasters) | |
120 |
| Reporting/production - day rate (beginners with some experience) | |
98 |
| Reporting/production - day rate (novices straight from college) | |
83 |
| Guest or expert appearances (3-4 min on-air) | |
52 |
| Disturbance fee for appearing on early or late programmes | |
25 |
Notes:
- Remember that if you are paid to work a shift you are entitled to paid time off on top - see Shift payments: tax and time off.
- Some station managers will insist that shift workers are paid as "casual staff" with tax and National Insurance deducted.
- Some local stations will be reluctant to pay any fee for an expert being interviewed.
See: Photography / Broadcasting rates for use on air
BroadcasterAgreements
Agreements affecting Broadcasting / BBC and national TVGenerally useful links:
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Rates for the Job good, bad and ugly
www.londonfreelance.org much more information...
Join the NUJ to get individual advice & representation
Uploaded: 05 May 2008; text © Mike Holderness & Andrew Wiard;
Moral rights asserted. Comments to ffg@londonfreelance.org please.
You may find the glossary helpful.
The National Union of Journalists must not, can not and would not wish to dictate rates or terms of engagement to members or to editors. The information presented here is for guidance and as an aid to equitable negotiation only.
Suggestions apply to contracts governed by UK law only. In any event, nothing here should be construed as legal advice.
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