BBC - Commissioning - Finding an Audience

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Finding an Audience

 

Many programmes involve interaction with the public - inviting them to be contributors or part of a studio audience, to vote or join in a competition, or offering them advice or information after the broadcast.

The BBC has high editorial standards for all engagement with the public. This page has information about the guidelines you need to follow if your programme includes interaction with the audience, and about the teams around the BBC who can help you.

You can read the BBC's overall policy on interacting with our audiences in the Editorial Guidelines.

Using interactivity in programmes

If you're planning to include voting, competitions, awards, charity services or contestant lines in a BBC TV or radio programme, or if you're looking for contributors or contestants, you must discuss your plans with ITACU (Interactive Technical Advice and Contracts Unit). ITACU helps production teams to use interactivity to a high standard and in a way that complies with BBC, Ofcom, PhonepayPlus and other regulations, is fair to participating audiences and minimises the risk of reputational damage.

Phone: 020 8225 8959

Finding contributors and contestants

Be on a Show is the BBC website that advertises for contributors for BBC programmes. We can help production teams find contestants for a quiz or game show; volunteers for a makeover or reality programme; or musicians, dancers, actors or other performers.

Your page on the site will tell the public about your show, what you're looking for and how they can apply. Or, if you already have a site with all the information, we can link to it from our homepage.

To request an advert on Be on a Show, you must use this webform. The webform has full instructions and contact details.
 

Finding a studio audience

If you're planning to record your show in front of an audience, BBC Studio Audiences can help you. We can:

• research and invite the right audience for your show
• design, print and distribute tickets
• make sure your audience are well looked after when they visit us
• market your show on the Tickets website and through email to a database of people who want to come to show recordings

Phone: 020 8756 1514

Email: BBC Studio Audiences

Programme support services

If your programme invites the audience to participate while you're on air, or you want to offer advice on sensitive subjects or further information after the broadcast, BBC Information's Client Services Team can provide a range of support services, such as:

• action phone lines with supportive listening and referral to sources of help and advice
• charity donations via secure live operators or automated services
• handling requests for booklets, tickets, factsheets and information packs, including despatch and taking payment if necessary

Phone: 0141 307 5757

Email: BBC Information Client Services Team

Audience feedback reporting

BBC Information Client Services Team can provide programme statistics and audience feedback reports based on the millions of phone calls, letters and emails we get from the public each year.

Phone: 0141 307 5757

Email: BBC Information Client Services Team

Complaints management

Complaints are dealt with through a standardised process across the BBC. See the Handling Audience Complaints section.