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For Writers and Producers of Radio Drama
About the Slots
We make the bulk of our drama and readings programmes for BBC Radio
4.
The best way to get an idea of what Radio 4 look for is to tune
in. You will find Radio 4 on 92-95FM and 198 LW.
You can also listen to programmes on Radio 4 by logging on to the
Radio 4 website. The address is: www.bbc.co.uk/radio4
There are two Radio 4 Commissioning Rounds per year. Usually in
April and again in October.
WEEKDAY
Woman's Hour 15' series. 10.45am (with a 7.45pm rpt)
This is a daily 15 minute series, scheduled as part of Woman's Hour,
so it is important to ensure that ideas for this slot fit comfortably
inside the Woman's Hour magazine. This means that women must drive
the action or play a very significant role in the action. Previous
commissions have been a mixture of original writing and the adaptations
of novels. There is a current repeat at 7.45pm on weekdays to enable
daytime listeners to catch up with episodes they miss, as well as
to attract a new evening audience. Runs over two weeks are the exception
not the rule. Writing of the highest standard from experienced writers
is essential.
Afternoon
Play - 2.15pm
This is a daily narrative strand. Aimed at the home audience, the
slot uses the dramatic form to delight, surprise and inform listeners.
They expect, each day, a complete story that is imaginative, accessible
and entertaining. The purpose of each play will be clear. The play
inherits 79 per cent of the large The Archers audience. Subjects
covered by The Archers (e.g. farming issues) would not generally
be considered in the Afternoon Play. To hold listeners through to
1500, programmes must have clear and beguiling openings and use
their opening presentation details to set up the play. It is 45
minutes in length.
15,30
Readings
Note: this slot is fully commissioned. Please check the COMING
UP section for details of what to look forward to.
A single-voice
reading of 14 minutes in length. (Approx 2,200-2,400 words) Although
stories may be arranged by theme, subject, genre or author each
should stand alone. Strong narrative and subjects suitable for afternoon
broadcast vital.
The
Friday Play - 9.00pm
This 60 minute slot aspires to be the radio drama event of the week.
The Friday Play is looking for contemporary, challenging drama to
create a "must listen" radio event. The network wants
to encourage dramas with a sense of ambition, a diversity of voices
and characters that reflect the world - plays that entertain, emotionally
engage and make the listener look afresh at the way we live now.
10.45pm
Book At Bedtime
The choice of books will be the best of mainstream fiction. New
works by leading writers broadcast close to publication. Accent
on a clear narrative with minimal subplots which will abridge easily
into five or ten 15 minute parts.
Audience - The comfortable end to the day for many Radio 4 listeners.
WEEKENDS
Saturday Play - 2.30pm
A 60 minute slot with a focus on enjoyment and escapism. Plays on
Saturday afternoons need to offer listeners an enjoyable, engaging
and rewarding listen. Given the lifestyle choices at this time,
they must capture and engage listener interest from the very outset.
This slot is ideal for love stories, thrillers, mysteries and detective
stories and we shall be seeking more of the last three genres. There
needs to be a strong plot, clear characterisation and a simple enough
programme texture which makes for an engaging listen while doing
afternoon tasks. Detectives or thrillers are probably most likely
to be successful here.
Classic Serial - 3pm Sundays
This slot is for 60 minute dramatisations of works of narrative
fiction which have achieved classic or modern classic status. A
strong, clear story is important, as is a plot structure that would
work well when abridged - too many flash-backs, time-shifts or changes
in Point of View are not ideal.
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