On Radio 1, the majority of programmes - the core output - are long-running strands which are produced either by Radio 1 producers or a small group of Independent companies chosen through competitive tender when required.

Details of any upcoming Core Output to be tendered will be contained here - currently Radio 1 is not looking for any Strand proposals.

The network also commissions weekly documentaries from a range of independent producers -- usually through an annual commissioning round. Radio 1 also welcomes ad hoc proposals from established programme makers.

The network operates an annual commissioning round for the production of documentaries. Full details of the kind of programming required, along with information on the audience, the content areas of particular interest and the timetable for the commissioning round are included in the Commissioning Brief document which is published when a commissioning round opens. Proposals should include a short synopsis paragraph followed by a more detail explanation of the idea and treatment being proposed.

The commissioning process involves submission of proposals via RAP and then a shortlisting period where producers may be asked to discuss their idea further. Once the shortlisting period is complete and offers have been discussed, proposals will either be conditionally commissioned or rejected. Budgets for independent companies who receive conditional commissions are then negotiated with the Independents Production Team.

Ad-hoc proposals can be submitted at any time and should be via email to the Executive Producer and include a brief synopsis of the idea and treatment.

For all documentary proposals the Commissioning Brief sets out the delivery requirements necessary as well as information on the guide price and non-linear content needs.

Full information useful to prospective programme-makers (including information on underlying Rights, Health & Safety requirements and the BBC's complaints procedure) are set out on the Business Affairs page of this website and it is advisable to look this over before submitting a proposal.

Roles

• Ben Cooper, Head of Programmes, is responsible for commissioning programme strands on Radio 1
• Joe Harland, Exec Producer, is responsible for commissioning the documentaries on Radio 1
• All commissions are signed off by Controller Radio 1, Andy Parfitt

Documentary proposals

Details of the next commissioning round for documentaries will be published here when the round opens.

Getting In Touch

For more information about submitting documentary ideas, please contact Joe Harland, Executive Producer, on (020) 7765 3552 or joe.harland@bbc.co.uk

Any questions about technical standards for Radio 1 should be directed to Radio Resources Operational Support on (020) 7765 3000.

Page last updated 6 May 2009