All programme proposals should be submitted via the e-commissioning system in the first instance. More information on the e-commissioning system can be found here.

The BBC has signed up to the updated Alliance for the Protection of Copyright (APC) Code of Practice. The new Code [PDF, 705KB] provides guidance around the submission and handling of proposals for all types of broadcast and online content, and forms part of our e-commissioning terms and conditions [PDF, 36KB]

Please read this information before registering for the system.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure that no programme gets pitched unless the interactive element has been thought through.

If considering an interactive TV enhancement to a programme then include information on which eTV formats would best suit the interactive service. (Information on eTV formats is available for BBC staff from their Head of New Media and his/her team. PACT members can download the eTV format guide from the PACT website.) with an outline description of the service for each platform (DSat, DTT, DCable).

The BBC is committed to embracing diversity.

Every household funds our programmes through the licence fee; because of this we have a responsibility to provide programmes and services for everyone and we are publicly accountable for doing so.

Your proposal should include a paragraph explaining how the programme would fulfil our diversity commitment to reflect fully the licence fee paying public (either on or off-screen.)

The BBC defines diversity as a creative opportunity for the BBC to engage the totality of the UK audience. This means:

• Understanding the diversity of the UK audience - who they are and what they want.
• Reflecting UK reality - authentic storylines, characters, experiences, perspectives.
• Having a diverse workforce that reflects our audiences and the communities that we serve.

Within this broad definition we are committed to improving our representation of disabled and ethnic minority people. We are committed to engaging with issues of faith, age, gender, sexuality, class and regional difference. We are committed to reflecting modern Britain in all its cultural, social and geographical diversity.

If your proposal includes contributors or working before a live audience then it should also include details of how you will meet your obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 - budgets for instance should include access costs.

The Production Handbook (PDF, 981KB) lays out the BBC's approach to the DDA in programme making terms.

PDF requires Acrobat Reader, available free here.

The BBC will treat proposals as confidential.

The BBC adheres to the Code of Practice for submission of Programme Proposals [PDF, 705KB] as agreed between the Alliance for the Protection of Copyright and BBC, ITV, C4 and Channel 5.

Note that the BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.