Statements of Programme Policy
BBC Asian Network Programme Policy 2010/2011
Service remit
The remit of BBC Asian Network is to provide speech and music output appealing to the British Asian communities. It should be primarily in English, but some programming should be provided in a range of South Asian languages.
The primary target audience is British Asians under 35 (reflecting the age profile of the Asian communities), but the station should also appeal to anyone with an interest in British Asian issues, music and culture.
BBC Strategy Review
This Statement of Programme Policy has been written in light of the BBC Strategy Review, in which BBC management has recommended that the BBC Trust considers closing the Asian Network as a national service. The Trust is consulting on this proposal.
The BBC is exploring a number of options for meeting the needs of Asian audiences, for example through a network of part-time local services with some syndicated national Asian programmes. These would be available on local DAB and local medium wave, serving areas with the largest British Asian communities. The BBC plans to engage with audiences and stakeholders to explore this and other possibilities for the service.
Controller's vision for the service in 2010/2011
This year will be challenging for the Asian Network as we go through a period of uncertainty and transition, but my ambition is for the BBC to continue to be recognised for its provision of high-quality British Asian news, music and culture. I want the Asian Network in the meantime to focus on the achievements and culture of British Asian communities and as our plans evolve, subject to BBC Trust approval, I believe the services we provide for these audiences will become more valued and distinctive.
We already offer significant support to the British Asian music scene, championing this unsung part of the UK's creative economy through both the artists we introduce and coverage of live events and melas. Our news and documentaries generate a range of ground-breaking stories about British Asian communities, and we provide a forum for debate, covering issues which are given little attention elsewhere. We also provide a range of South Asian language programmes that cater for our audience's hunger to explore their linguistic roots.
Family is important to many in British Asian communities and I will be asking programmes and presenters to place a renewed emphasis on being a 'friend to the family' across the schedule, aiming to be entertaining and stimulating to a broad range of listeners.
Andy Parfitt, Controller, BBC Asian Network
Key challenges for BBC Asian Network in 2010/2011
Challenge: Maximise reach by focusing on content relevant to British Asian communities, while maintaining quality and distinctiveness of output throughout the BBC Trust consultation period
- A refreshed schedule will bring back one of the best known names in UK Asian broadcasting, Sonia Deol, who will host a new weekday mid-morning programme from 10am. Tommy Sandhu will also look after a new afternoon drivetime show from 3pm.
- We will examine the formats of our key daytime programmes to ensure that they fit with the new strategy of being a friend to the family and celebrate the best in UK Asian culture.
- At the weekend Bobby Friction, one of the UK's biggest champions of British Asian music, will host a new programme supporting the first ever Official Asian Music Chart, a major industry initiative developed by Asian Network which will use UK digital music sales as its basis.
Challenge: To build our reputation within British Asian communities.
- We will look to expand the range of programming coming directly from Asian communities. In addition to coverage of major events such as the London Mela and Manchester Mela, which concentrate more on music and entertainment, we will aim to take a series of other live programmes on the road as part of a drive to connect more closely with audiences.
Other programming highlights
- We will introduce a new monthly drama slot to the schedule from September, replacing our current soap opera, Silver Street. This should provide a series of opportunities for British Asian writers and actors to experiment, offering a chance to portray key issues affecting Asian communities around the UK.
- We will provide extensive coverage of the General Election from an Asian perspective, reflecting the issues our audience place the greatest importance on.
- Asian Network Reports will tackle the biggest stories affecting our listeners and include a number of documentary specials investigating areas of specific concern.
- Coverage of key sporting events in 2010 will include news from the Pakistan versus Australia Twenty20 and Test match series being held in the UK in July.
Conditions: BBC purposes and BBC Asian Network commitments
Unless otherwise stated, all commitments are minimum hours or percentages and include originations, repeats and acquisitions. All conditions are annual unless otherwise stated.
Sustaining citizenship and civil society
- 50:50 proportion of speech to music.
Stimulating creativity and cultural excellence
- 40% of music in daytime from UK artists. (Daytime is defined as 06.00-19.00hrs, Monday-Friday and 08.00-14.00 Saturday-Sunday.)
- Contribute to BBC Radio's commitment to commission at least 10% of eligible hours of output from independent producers.
Reflecting the UK, its nations, regions and communities
- 3-5 hours on average of language programming each day.
