BBC - Commissioning - Nations and Regions

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Nations and Regions

Network Commissions

External suppliers working in the Nations (Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) who wish to submit programme proposals to network television may either submit propsals through:

• Heads of Programmes in the relevant BBC National Centres
• Head of Drama in the Nations (for drama only)
• Commissioning Executives in the commissioning management structure in London who have defined responsibilities for independents in the Nations and Regions.

Local Programming

You can find out more about the Nations requirements and commissioning processes for local programmes on the following websites: 

BBC Northern Ireland 

BBC Scotland

BBC Commissioning Cymru Wales

BBC Comisiynu Cymru Wales  

BBC English Regions

Linear regional television broadcasting in England is divided into twelve distinct geographical areas, which are largely dictated by analogue transmitter boundaries.

The core of the broadcast offering in television produced by these BBC English Regions is in the area of news, politics and current affairs. Much investment has gone into the look and newsgathering firepower of our regional news programmes at 1830 on BBC ONE, and they're now the most watched news strand on the BBC.

In the last few years, our relationship with the independent sector has grown significantly. We commission at least 25% of our non-news programming from the Independent sector. Independent production companies now produce our flagship Sunday Politics programme for London, South East and East Midlands and the Super League Show in the North. For the fourth year running, three Independent Companies will produce three out of our seven Football League programmes. Late Kick Off started again in March 2013 for a run of programmes until around the end of the football season.

Sunday Politics Show

In 2012 we re-tendered the contract for the Sunday Politics Show in the East Midlands. In the summer of 2013, we will be re-tendering the contract for the Sunday Politics for the South East and for London.  Details of the tender will be available in the near future but if you would like to register your interest, please email Isabelle.Hutchins@bbc.co.uk who will ensure you get the details of the bid.

Recent Commissions

In 2013, we have commissioned four Indies to make four regional programmes on the issue of poverty. To reflect the extraordinary range of weather England had in 2012, we commissioned 10 half hours across the country all made by Independent production companies on the weather in their region.  The Wild Weather in 2012 programmes were broadcast on Sunday 30th December 2012 and were well received by audiences across England.  We will look for a similar opportunity on a topic to be decided, in 2013.

In 2011 we ran three advisory sessions for Independent production companies in Bristol, Nottingham and Salford. They were very well received and allowed an opportunity for Independent companies to meet their local Series Editors and the senior management team from English Regions.  

One-off Ideas

Finally, BBC English Regions is open to one-off ideas which may focus on strong journalism, original story-telling, and/or programmes which celebrate life within a particular region. 

Please contact your local Series Editor with ideas and details on our commissioning process. View the English Regions contacts.

If you have any further queries or concerns contact Head of Programmes Craig Henderson