Coronavirus: UK broadcasters produce guidelines for TV production in the weeks and months ahead

Culture Secretary described the publication as ‘a significant step forward in getting our favourite shows back into production’

A number of leading UK broadcasters including ITV, BBC, Sky, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITN, STV, the Association for Commercial Broadcasters and On-Demand Services (Coba) and Pact have teamed up to introduce guidelines for producing television in the weeks and months ahead.

The guidelines are meant to “enablle a return to production for the television industry” amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Great British television is keeping us company throughout the crisis, and I’m keen to get cameras rolling as soon as it is safe.

“Our creative industries are Britain’s global calling card and this is a significant step forward in getting our favourite shows back into production.”

According to the broadcasters, the guidelines have ”taken careful note of the recent government advice” concerning the public’s safe return to work.

“The expectation is that the guidance will evolve over the coming months as the lockdown is eased, as government advice evolves and as TV productions adapt to the new challenges posed by the COVID-19 risk and provide a framework the entire industry can work within,” said the group.

The BBC has already confirmed that EastEnders and Top Gear would resume filming in June, with other productions set to follow suit.