BBC Radio Scotland
2011 Autumn Commissioning Round
Round Opens: Tuesday 8th November 2011
Round Closes: Tuesday 13th December 2011
Decisions and Feedback by Tuesday 31st January 2012
BBC Radio Scotland’s autumn commissioning round opens against the backdrop of
the Delivering Quality First initiative and after the conclusion of the BBC Trust review
of the Nations’ radio stations. This is also the year we will introduce a formal
Window of Creative Competition into the commissioning process.
The targets for this have been agreed with the BBC Trust and mean that at least 10%
of qualifying hours will be guaranteed to independent producers and a further 10%
will be open to offers from both independent and in-house suppliers.
In determining which areas of the schedule forms part of the WOCC and which forms
the guaranteed quota, we have been keen to ensure that each contains programmes
of high value as well as high volume. Thus daytime comedy, drama and features
remain part of the guaranteed quota as well as the high volume overnight music
strand.
The new WOCC contains daytime speech programming for the weekend as well as a
considerable volume of the evening music schedule.
A number of programmes have already been re-commissioned or otherwise agreed
with independent suppliers. This includes some comedy formats, a conversation
series (Stark Talk) one history series and the overnight music programme.
This year we have made changes to guide prices. This is based on our intention to
spend a greater part of our budget on daytime programming – where more listeners
are available – and also reflects our new editorial strategy of scheduling speech in
daytime hours and music in the evenings.
We would advise all potential suppliers – both independent and in house – to ensure
they have the agreement of the on-air talent they attach to an offer. Very often this
will be a condition of the commission. Suppliers hoping to bid for an existing slot
using its existing presenter should ensure that those presenters have agreed to have
their name included in the offer.
Understanding The Target Audience
Over the past two years we have undertaken detailed audience research and we
continue to monitor the impact of recent schedule changes. During that period we
have seen increases in reach, share and audience approval. We still have work to do
on encouraging people to listen for longer and we want to further address the skew
towards male listeners which results from the popularity of our weekend sports
programming.
As ever, we want to ensure that our programmes and presenters reflect the reality
and diversity of contemporary Scotland.
In general our programmes are aimed at adult listeners with a strong interest in
Scottish affairs and culture. Those listeners are keen on programmes and subject
matters which are directly relevant to their lives and the lives of their families. Our
listeners want credible presenters, uplifting stories and good humour.
Our Audience research department have been asked to prepare a short briefing
paper on our audience targets and this can be made available to any potential
supplier registered with us.
Slots Open to Offers from Independent and In House Offers (WOCC)
1. Saturday Morning Sport Magazine
52 x 85 mins
1030 - 1200 Live
Guide Price: £147,000
This will be a live non-football sport magazine programme and will form a key plank
of the new Saturday morning speech schedule. The 90 minute format which
includes a 5 minute bulletin should include a range of interviews, discussions and
features and will reflect the diversity of Scotland’s sporting culture. We would like
offers to include suggestions as to how the programme will approach preparations
for the Commonwealth Games in 2014. The lead presenter should have credibility
and warmth, possibly with a personal history connected with sport.
2. Weekly Evening Specialist Music Programme
46 x 110 mins 6 repeats
Live, Tuesday, 2005 – 2200
Guide Price: £92,000
This programme should complement our existing specialist evening music output,
offering a specialist music show which is culturally significant to Radio Scotland's
target audience. Although a specialist music strand, the content should not
alienate a more mainstream audience and should be be distinctive from music
strands on other BBC networks and commercial radio. The presenter will be key to
the offer, presenting with warmth and authority and taking on the role of Trusted
Guide. The programme should showcase emerging talent as well as established
Scottish artists and where appropriate UK and International artists. The programme
will also be required to provide content for the BBC Scotland online music showcases
which sit on the BBC Music site.
3. Late Evening Disc-Based Music Programme
4 x 2.5 hrs
Live, Monday – Thursday, 2205 – 0030
Guide Price: £170,000
This programme is a simple disc based format which should complement the
preceding evening specialist shows and form a natural bridge to our overnight
sequence. It is aimed at BBC Radio Scotland's target audience and the running
orders, whilst more mainstream than the preceding specialist shows, should remain
distinctive from other BBC networks and commercial radio. Presenter is key to the
offer and the presentation style should be warm and companionable for a relaxing
late night listen.
4. Golf
Guide Price:
We are developing our ideas around golf coverage and the continuation of the golf
magazine programme which we launched in the summer of 2011. We may offer a
package of golf programming – including tournament coverage – to one supplier and
a subsequent commissioning brief will be issued in December of this year.
Slots Open Only To Independent Suppliers
1. Comedy
Mix of 14 and 28 min formats (6 x 14, 4 x 14, 4 x 28)
Guide Price: £4,500 (14 mins) and £8,000 (28 mins)
We welcome ideas for the 14’ comedy slot that broadcasts at 13:46 after The
Comedy Café on Friday. Series commissioned that have worked well include The Bob
Servant Emails, Piano Lessons, Greg at the Stand, Peoplewatch and Can You Hear Me
at the Back? We may commission a smaller number of 28 minute programmes. For
the longer slot we are interested in situation comedy with a direct relevance to a
family audience. We would also be keen to pilot a topical panel game with a view to
commissioning a full series in 2013.
A variety of formats for both durations are welcome but please note that these need
to play to a daytime audience. Potential suppliers are welcome to discuss their ideas
with Head of Radio, Scotland before undertaking further development.
2. Features
28 mins
Guide Price: £5,000 per ep
We have 10 x 28 minute slots available and are particularly interested to see
proposals for a 4 or 6 part series. Single features may be offered but our priority is
series that will make an impact. We are interested in ideas with a compelling
contemporary theme, reflecting the lives and concerns of listeners in modern
Scotland. The subject might include: health, economics, law, science, work, crime,
housing or transport – but this list is not exhaustive. Examples of a series we
previously commissioned include Scotland at Prayer and The Scots: A Genetic
History.
Please note that we no longer plan to commission investigations other than those
supplied by BBC News, but would always be interested in strong documentaries with
a compelling narrative.
Potential suppliers are welcome to discuss their ideas with Head of Radio, Scotland
before undertaking further development. Slot price range £3000 to £4500 subject to
editorial content.
3. Drama (for 2013/2014)
4 x 28 mins
Guide Price: £7,000 - £9,000
As in previous years, we have 4, 28 minute drama slots available to independent
producers. Also, as before, we want to offer a long lead in time for drama and so aim to
commission four plays that will transmit beyond April 2013. Offers can be for single
plays or for one four part drama serial with a compelling theme. We are looking for
plays with a mainstream appeal and the quality of the story will be crucial.