The International Standard Audiovisual Number (ISAN), already used on Blu-Ray discs and Microsoft Windows Media, will allow the broadcaster to monitor where its audio and visual content is used and help with rights reporting for music copyright payment.
ITV chief operating officer John Cresswell said: “the ability to exploit our content effectively is a key part of ITV's strategy and using ISAN will enhance our ability to do this.”
Because ITV will be able to track more accurately and report the use of music in its productions to ISAN partner the MCPS-PRS Alliance, the deal will mean more accurate payment of royalties to songwriters and publishers.
The system works by allocating a unique 24 digit code to each piece of audio-visual content.
ISAN in the UK is assisted by ISAN UK, a group founded by Pact, MCPS-PRS and Soundmouse. Its purpose is to gain adoption of a standard international code for content to be used throughout the whole audio-visual supply chain; from production to broadcast, through to distribution and reporting.
It is expected that ITV's backing of ISAN will increase its adoption both in the UK and throughout the world.
John McVay of Pact said: “ITV have shown great foresight in adopting ISAN which will become a global standard in the digital age. Other UK broadcasters and producers should ensure that they have properly considered the commercial benefits of ISAN as they develop their own long -term strategies”
The ISAN (International Standard Audiovisual Number) is a voluntary numbering system for the identification of audiovisual works. It provides a unique, internationally recognised and permanent reference number for each audiovisual work registered in the ISAN system.
The ISAN number remains the same for an audio-visual work regardless of where it is used, with associated version numbers (V-ISAN) available for different edits and formats of the underlying content.
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