BBC Radio Scotland

Invitation to Pitch

Context

BBC Radio Scotland is making a number of minor schedule changes in September and this has opened an opportunity for an independent production company to offer a new format for Sunday mornings.  We expect this programme to be a year-round fixture of the schedule but will discuss summer and Christmas breaks with the provider of successful offer.

Slot

Topical Discussion - Sundays 0905 – 1000 (55mins)
Planned start Sunday, 6 September 2009
46 – 52 weeks, live (except by special arrangement)

Contract Period

The successful offer will be commissioned for an initial period of six months, with a built-in review period after 12 weeks with an option to extend to a 1 year contract.

Timetable

29 May 2009 - Deadline for Offers
8 June 2009 - Feedback
22 June 2009 - Delivery of Pilots
End of June - Contract Awarded

Submission of Programme Offers

Proposals and or any queries should be emailed to sharon.mair@bbc.co.uk

Proposals should be received no later than 1700 hours (5pm) on Friday, 29 May 2009.

Format of Programme Offers

An overall summary of the proposal submitted, summarising the key aspects of the proposal which must include:

~Suggested presenter
~Suggested panel members or regular contributors.
~Sample running order
~ Description of the format and evidence of innovation
~List of  names, responsibilities and designations of the principal personnel who will be involved
~ Budget breakdown

Review of Programme Offers

The programme offers will be reviewed by Sharon Mair and Jeff Zycinski. We may seek clarification or further details where necessary.

If we are seriously interested in a particular offer we will require a full non-transmission pilot (54’50”) before making a final decision.

We will award the contract to the producer/production company whose proposal has been determined as best fulfilling the BBC’s overall requirements and which offers the most desired combination of programme quality and innovation and value for money.  The key criteria the BBC will use as a measure to identify the shortlist is:

• Quality of idea
• Editorial and technical expertise
• Production talent
• Price/Value for money
• Commitment to regional programming

Guide Price

The guide price for this slot  £2250 - £2750. Proposals submitted in excess of this guide price are extremely unlikely to be considered.   Companies who want to make use of non- BBC studios are welcomed.  Any proposal to use alternative studio facilities must be accompanied by full evidence of the studio's technical integrity, suitability and robustness as well as details of back-up plans and ability to link into the BBC’s transmission network in full broadcast quality in a cost-effective manner.

Editorial Brief

BBC Radio Scotland is making a number of minor schedule changes in September and this has opened an opportunity for an independent production company to offer a new format for Sunday mornings.  We expect this programme to be a year-round fixture of the schedule but will discuss summer and Christmas breaks with the provider of successful offer.

We are looking for an innovative approach to topical discussion, fronted by a high-profile presenter with the experience and credibility required to cover a wide range of subjects. The ideal presenter would have relevant knowledge of Scottish and international news stories but with the ability to adjust his or her style to  occasional offbeat or humorous topics.

We would be interested hearing ideas for the casting of a regular or semi-regular panel which would include new voices and people reflective of contemporary Scotland. These might be drawn from newspaper journalism, websites, the arts and music scenes.

The format should allow audiences to look forward to the week ahead and also include an international dimension (especially Europe) so that listeners hear of stories that might not have been part of the general news agenda in the U.K.

Ideas for pre-recorded items, such as a short profile of a person in the news, should be included in any sample running order.

It is important that this format does not duplicate existing or planned content from our news and current affairs team. To that end, supplier should be aware that NCA have plans to launch a weekly live debate format with a studio audience. Likewise the Scotland Live format for Fridays already includes a review of the past week’s news. 

Indicative Target Audience – Adults (40 – 60)

Key Contract Terms

1.The programme series shall be commissioned in accordance with the BBC’s Code of Practice, Terms of Trade and standard Production Agreement for the time being in force.

2.The successful company must comply with all relevant Health and Safety legislation for time being in force.

3.In producing the programme, the successful company will be required to comply with all relevant legislation, regulations, and current industry practices.

Page last updated 27 August, 2009.