The Radio Independents Group

RIG is a non-profit making trade body funded through membership fees and other fund-raising activities, that represents the interests and needs of the UK's independent radio production industry. Formed in July 2004, RIG currently represents two-thirds of the industry...and membership continues to grow every month. We are proud to have members who are globe-spanning commercial giants through to one-person companies, partnerships and solo producers. If you produce radio programming for a UK-based broadcaster or platform on an independent basis, then RIG is for you!

In addition to representing our members' and industry's needs in negotiations with the BBC, commercial radio groups, the Government and other groups, RIG offers support, resources, information, access, training and more. Our aim is to bring together the knowledge of the thousands of dedicated and skilled people in the independent radio production sector and make as much of it available to all as is possible.

RIG is extremely proud to offer its members access to a full-service Legal Scheme, in partnership with Hill Dickinson LLP. This scheme offers members industry standard contracts, discounted legal advice and a full range of legal resources. It has already proven to be extremely popular and vaulable with many members.

RIG also offers access to a discounted insurance offer in partnership with ACJ Insurers. At a time when indies are required to protect themselves and their commissioners from potential law suits, as well as offer their employees adequate insurance protection, RIG and ACJ are proud to make things a little easier.

RIG is also a place where competing independent producers can meet, share information, experiences and advice...after all, we all want to see our industry grow and propser. After 12 years of building the sector up, RIG is now here to help ensure we all move forwards and flourish together.

The Board of RIG is made up of elected officers from within the membership, including an elected Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The Board has the authority to co-opt additional members, and to form sub-committees. All of the work done by the members of these committees is unpaid (excluding expenses).

RIG's income is spent on a variety of things, including the day to day running costs - although many of these expenses are kindly covered by the Board's parent companies. Other expenditures include sponsorship of awards and organisations such as the Student Radio Awards and the Radio Academy; various industry-related events and seminars and opportunities to increase awareness of the independent radio sector across the UK & the world.

The RIG Board is mandated by the RIG membership to pursue negotiations on all issues that have an impact on the sector. To date RIG has successfully negotiated new BBC Radio Terms of Trade, updated BFBS sales agreements, increases to BBC 7 repeat fees and is currently working on new Terms of Trade with BBC World Service, digital distribution agreements and an update to the Channel 4 radio podcast agreement and the BBC Radio Terms of Trade.

In the Autumn of 2009, RIG became a Patron of the Radio Academy, allowing all members of staff of RIG member companies to become members of the Radio Academy. RIG and the RA are partnering to organise and produce the RADIO PRODUCTION AWARDS.

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