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26 November 2009
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Radio 1 Commissioning

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Commissioning Team

Controller Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network
Andy Parfitt Andy Parfitt
Deputy Controller Radio 1, 1Xtra
Ben Cooper Ben Cooper
Exec Producer
Joe Harland Joe Harland

Commissioning Process

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.

Weekly documentaries

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.

Documentary commissioning process

The commissioning process involves submission of proposals via Proteus 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

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.

Further information

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, Deputy Controller Radio 1 and 1Xtra, is responsible for commissioning programme strands on Radio 1
  • Joe Harland, Exec Producer, is responsible for commissioning the documentaries on Radio 1
  • Matt Fisher, Station Sound Manager, is responsible for commissioning Station Sound audio
  • The commissioning strategies for both Strands and Documentaries are signed off by Controller Radio 1, Andy Parfitt

Documentary proposals

Radio 1 is currently looking for strong musical documentary proposals for its 'Radio 1 Stories' strand that broadcasts every Monday night from 9 'til 10pm. The commissioning brief (PDF format, 28Kb) provides full details and the deadline for submissions is noon on 1 December.

Station Sound

BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra undertake regular commissions of its Station Sound audio production and details of what production is being tendered will be published here.

It is envisaged that the following opportunities will be offered over the next 12 months

February/March – for on air May

Production for the new sound of Radio 1 Big Weekend, R1 and 1X Summer sound, 1X Live

April – for on air July

Production for refresh of Radio 1 & 1Xtra Complete Imaging & Ident packaging to include News Imaging

Timetable TBC

Switch/Sunday Zone on R1

Full details will be provided at the time the commission opens. In the meantime Matt Fisher can be contacted for further information at matt.fisher@bbc.co.uk

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

Page last updated 21 October 2009





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