BBC - Commissioning - Radio 1 opens up new opportunities for independents

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Radio 1 opens up new opportunities for independents

Ben Cooper, Controller, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra today announced that the station will be looking to the independent sector to find a brand new presenter to join the prestigious Saturday night line up. 

This decision is part of Radio 1’s wider commissioning strategy which will see the station opening up more opportunities than ever before for independent production companies to pitch and produce content on the station.

From April 2012, 10% of the networks programming will be produced by independent productions companies and another 10% of programming will be available through a window of creative competition (WoCC) – the opportunity for independent production companies to compete with in-house to make BBC programmes.  This strategy is in line with the BBC Trust's review of independent production.

This process will contribute to BBC Audio & Music's target of having a 10% independent production quota and 10% WoCC across the whole of Audio & Music by 2012/13.

Radio 1 are seeking a cutting edge new music show which will simulcast on 1Xtra and broadcast on Saturday nights (1am – 3am), this is an opportunity for the independent sector to pitch some exciting ideas and brand new presenters to the network.

Last week Radio 1 announced changes to the specialist schedule and new shows up for tender as part of the WoCC will be - Skream & Benga, Toddla T, Charlie Sloth, Friction, as well as Benji B,  Nihal, Rob da Bank and Annie Nightingale.

In addition, Radio 1’s Review Show and Matt Edmondson Show will be produced out of house for the first time.

Ben Cooper comments: "The exciting new line up of talent that we announced last week should provide programme makers with inspiration for new and creative ideas, and I’m really looking forward to hearing what ideas the indie sector come up for the brand new show – it’s a completely blank canvas, so a real opportunity for creativity and a fresh approach.'

Piers Bradford, Commissioning Editor, Radio 1 & 1Xtra added: ‘We look forward to continuing to strengthen relationships between Radio 1 and the indie sector and seeking out the best new ideas for our young listeners.'

From January 9th 2012, more information about the commissioning process for Radio 1 and how to pitch can be found on the Radio 1 page on the commissioning website. 

Radio 1 will start the commissioning process in January and decisions will be made by the end of February with the new shows broadcasting from Monday 2 April 2012.

The full list of programmes going out to Independent production companies and into the WoCC are listed below.

Available for Independent Production Companies:

The Rock Show, The Punk Show (as a pair)
Radio 1 Review Show, Matt Edmondson Show (as a pair)
Brand new Simulcast Idea - Saturday (0100 – 0300)

Available for Independent Productions via the WoCC:

Radio 1 Stories - ongoing
Nihal, Toddla T, Benji B (as a group)
Charlie Sloth, Friction (as a pair)
Rob da Bank, Skream & Benga, Annie Nightingale (as a group)
Radio 1 Nations Show*

In addition to the programmes up for tender, In New DJ’s We Trust, Essential Mix and Radio 1’s Residency will continue to be produced by Somethin’ Else Productions and Tim Westwood’s Saturday night show will continue to be produced by Justice.

*This is subject to the BBC Trust approving Radio 1's proposals as part of the DQF process to cease provision of individual opt-out programmes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Please see the Radio 1 What We Want pages for more information.