RADIO COMMISSIONING FRAMEWORK

Commissioning Brief

Ideas for BBC Radio 1 Comedy PodcastsCommissioning Round - Radio 1 Podcasts: 2

Commissioning Brief – 111005

CONTENTSSECTION A: EDITORIAL OPPORTUNITY.........................................................................3

SECTION B: THE COMMISSIONING PROCESS................................................................71. TIMETABLE........................................................................................................ 7

2. THE FIVE STAGES...............................................................................................9

3. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA....................................................................................11

SECTION C: FULL PROPOSALS.....................................................................................121. WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU............................................................................12

2. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US............................................................................13

3. IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE.........................................................................15

APPENDIX 1: ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONNAIRE...............................................................167

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SECTION A: EDITORIAL OPPORTUNITY

Commissioning Brief 111005: Radio 1 Comedy Podcasts

Commission contact Commissioning ExecLouise.kattenhorn@bbc.co.uk

Duration Average 30 minutes per episode

Number of programmes available 100 Episodes

Transmission period July 2019 – March 2020

Guide Price per episode 2-5K per episode

Commissioning Year 2019/20

Commissioning Round Radio 1 Podcasts: 2

Please note:

All proposals and Eligibility Questionnaires must be submitted through Proteus before the deadline on Thurs 13th June.

We will first evaluate the responses given in the Eligibility Questionnaire (see Appendix 1, page 19). All answers should be entered into the ‘Add/Edit Notes Here’ section in Proteus. Note the questions in this brief may differ from those used in other Radio 1 and 1Xtra commissioning briefs.

The suppliers that pass the eligibility stage will then have their Proposal assessed. This should be no longer than 2000 words. It should be entered into the ‘full synopsis’ section of the Proteus submission form.

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About BBC SoundsBBC Sounds is the new digital platform from the BBC which brings together live and on-demand audio, music and podcasts into a single personalised app and website. It makes it easier to discover and enjoy BBC programmes and podcasts where audiences want – increasingly on mobiles.

About BBC Radio 1 Radio 1’s aim is to bring new young diverse audiences to the BBC with a distinctive mix of contemporary music and speech. Our centre of gravity is young people in the UK aged 16-24.

We produce great content that young people want to listen to, watch and share. The network is at the forefront of BBC Radio’s efforts to reinvent and grow radio; and plays a key role in helping showcase the wider BBC to each new generation.

Radio 1 Podcast Strategy

AUDIENCES: Our family of podcasts are an opportunity for Radio 1 to create a strong connection with new audiences as well as engaging existing listeners. They are a great vehicle to tap into things that young people value such as authenticity, relatability, and a sense of community. We are keen to attract audiences who are new to podcasts, alongside those who are regular podcast listeners.

TALENT: Our podcasts are a platform for new and emerging talent, where talent can develop a voice, and start their relationship with Radio 1 & 1Xtra, and the BBC. They are also a space for more established talent to create something different or surprising which will give our young audience a chance to see a different side to them, or get to know them better and hear the ‘real’ them.

AMBITION: We have creative ambition. We want to push boundaries, surprise and delight, and find fresh & exciting ways of connecting with young audiences through new speech content, and its associated visual & social content.

You should include in your proposal thoughts on how your idea can assist in delivering this strategy.

The Opportunity

Building on the success of previous commissions (e.g. Unexpected Fluids, Worst Dates, and Radio 1’s Drag Queen’s Den), we want to expand Radio 1’s family of podcasts with a diverse range of new talent-led comedy titles.

Talent

We particularly welcome ideas built around the personal passions, and/or the creative ambition, of comedians, You Tubers, influencers, music artists and celebrities. This is a platform for them to connect with new audiences; and for comedians there is potential to use it as a space to develop personas, characters, sketches etc. Proposed hosts must be fully invested in the project at the time of submission, with a level of ownership, and drive to make the podcast a success. They should also have a strong appreciation of the medium and its potential to reach

new fans; be willing to develop and grow as a podcaster; and to actively build a community of listeners using the leverage of their social channels. Hosts should also demonstrate a desire to be part of the Radio 1 extended family.

If two or three hosts are pitched, we want hear people with genuine chemistry who feel like they are friends off air.

Humour

Comedy is the most popular podcast genre among 16-34s – recent research showed 44% had listened to a comedy podcast in the past three months. These audiences can be looking for stimulation, wind-down or escapism. For younger audiences, finding ‘stuff’ funny can also play a big role in enabling bonding with peers and can create FOMO if they’re not listening.

Unfiltered funny chat on shows like Unexpected Fluids or The Receipts reflects an emerging style of comedy enjoyed by younger audiences which delve into things that young people really care about. Comedy can take tricky or taboo subjects in young people’s lives and make them accessible and engaging through their frank and funny take on them.These audiences find humour in a range of funny, quirky or odd content, not just ‘traditional’ comedy. There is also more appeal for comedy that’s relatable, featuring people, characters and moments that connect with things they would say or do and are recognisable in their everyday lives.

We will provide a pack of audience insights, including some examples of formats that work in this space. This will be found on the R1 Commissioning website.

In short, we welcome ideas for podcast series led by fresh and exciting talent that resonates with 16-24s. We are looking for funny and entertaining, relatable and authentic, edgy and sassy content from across the humour spectrum: from a mirthful uplifting feel-good listen, to content that leans on cultural capital and provocation; as well as a healthy dose of banter, lolz and silliness.

You should include in your proposal ideas for social content to promote the podcast on our social channels; and any thoughts on how this contenting can be syndicated to maximise impact. Please outline your team’s experience in this area.

Types of podcast series:1. Short Series: 6 episodes that will sit in Radio 1’s comedy anthology feed Kench! These could be self-contained, taking listeners on a specific journey or narrative arc OR pilot series featuring new and emerging talent. Guide price: 2-5K per ep* 2. Longer Series: between 12 and 18 episodes of a format that can sustain a longer run (with an option to extend) - building a loyal following over time.  Guide price: 2-5K per ep*3. Flagship: a limited number of commissions per year with top tier talent. Price: dependent on talent and IPSuccessful series may be extended, or further series commissioned.

*A note on pricing:

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The range in guide price reflects the variation in number of hosts, level of talent (new & emerging or more established), and the ambition of the idea.

For the right idea/talent, and for more expensive formats (e.g. scripted comedy or live shows), a higher price will be considered. However, value for money will be a consideration when assessing such ideas.

We will fund piloting work (whether that be chemistry tests, script development, or production of part of an episode) - suppliers should expect a high level of oversight and feedback from the commissioning team.

We anticipate commissioning around 100 episodes in total before the end of March 2020. We will be launching new series throughout the year – the number of episodes commissioned will depend on the level of talent & the strength of the idea. If we see a level of success, short series may be extended, or further series commissioned.

You may have seen that the BBC Sounds central commissioning team have also opened a round for ‘Funny Quirky Odd’ podcasts targeting under-35s. If you are unsure about which round to choose, please submit to the round that you feel most suits your idea; the Radio 1 and BBC Sounds commissioners will work together when considering your proposals.

COMPLIANCE AND BBC EDITORIAL GUIDELINES You will be required to deliver programmes that are in line with the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and be able to adapt to the BBC’s changing editorial and business needs during the period of the commission.

The podcasts will be broadcast on Radio 1 & 1Xtra in a late night slot. Strong language & content will be permissible.

THE EVALUATION TEAM

The following people may be involved in evaluating your proposal at various stages:

Louise Kattenhorn, Commissioning Exec, Radio 1

Joe Harland, Head of Content Commissioning, Visual Radio

Aled Haydn-Jones, Head of Content Commissioning, Radio 1

Robert Gallacher – Commissioning Editor

Mark Waring – Business Affairs

Subject matter experts (e.g. production experts, digital content specialists, network management or finance advisors etc.) may also be consulted. See Section B for information on the commissioning process, timetable and assessment criteria.

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SECTION B: THE COMMISSIONING PROCESS

1. TIMETABLEThere will be THREE deadlines throughout the year to submit your ideas.

This allows us to consider the best ideas side by side, and commission the right amount of content we need for our TX slots throughout the year. It allows us to be reactive and commission talent and ideas that fit the zeitgeist.

The commissioning process consists of four stages, as set out in the timetable below:

1. Full Proposal Thurs 16th May – Friday 24th May

Opportunity to talk to commissioner about the programme brief.

Thurs 13th June Deadline for Full Proposal to be submitted via Proteus

2. Interview/ Pitch W/c 24th June All producers shortlisted may be invited to attend an interview/ face-to-face pitch. These are due to be held in June 2019

3. Commission decisions made and contracts signed

W/c 1st July Either: Commission award decision made, commissioning specification completed and contract issued.Or: Producers invited to second interviews.Or: Commission pilot only

To be agreed Agreement of all programme related deliverables and technical specifications (for further information on Radio 1 and 1Xtra’s requirements, please see the BBC’s commissioning website ). Full contract signed.

4. Full Proposal – further deadlines Thurs 15th August

Thurs 17th OctoberFurther deadlines for Full Proposals to be submitted via Proteus

Interview/ Pitch – further deadlines

W/c 26th AugustW/c 28th October

All producers shortlisted may be invited to attend an interview/ face-to-face pitch.

Commission decisions made and contracts signed

W/c 2nd SeptemberW/c 4th November

Either: Commission award decision made, commissioning specification completed and contract issued.Or: Producers invited to second interviews.Or: Commission pilot only

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We will assess your proposal according to this timetable.

NB: The round will close for a week after each deadline & late submissions will not be considered at that point.

After seven days the round will then reopen for submissions in the run up to the next deadlines.

If you have any questions about these commissioning briefs that need answering before you submit your Long Proposal, please ensure you email them to Louise.Kattenhorn@bbc.co.uk at least five working days before the deadlines.

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2. THE FOUR STAGES

STAGE 1: PRODUCTION ELIGIBLITY & FULL PROPOSALS

Step 1: PRODUCTION ELIGIBLITY The Production Eligibility question may differ from those used in other Radio 1

briefs. All answers to the Production Eligibility Questionnaire should be entered into

the ‘Add/Edit Notes Here’ section in Proteus.

The Eligibility Questionnaire is designed to allow the BBC to understand more about your company and your experience in producing podcasts for young audiences.

The BBC Commissioning Editor will evaluate all eligibility questionnaires against the editorial brief set out in Section A before evaluating the Long Proposal (i.e. your long proposal may be declined at this stage if the information you provide indicates you do not meet the criteria), so please answer these questions carefully

Step 2: FULL PROPOSAL

Suppliers who performed best on their eligibility stage (by best demonstrating their experience and capability in producing podcasts for young audiences) will then have their Full Proposal assessed.

Your Full Proposal should be no more than 2000 words and summarise your specific ideas for this podcast. It should demonstrate your ability to produce the programme, your relationship with the proposed talent, set out your editorial ambitions and address the requirements set out in Section A of this brief.

Step 3 Producers will be offered the opportunity to discuss the programme brief with the commissioning editor prior to submitting their full proposal.

STAGE 2: INTERVIEW / PITCH

Step 1 You may be invited to an interview/pitch meeting with the evaluation team. We will notify you which members of the evaluation team will be attending this meeting and you should expect to be asked to discuss and elaborate on your proposal, and answer questions about it. It is also possible we may ask you to bring additional relevant material to this meeting.

Step 2 Following the interview/pitch; the evaluation team will re-evaluate your Full Proposal against the assessment criteria in Section B3 (page 11) taking into account the responses given during the pitch, and any additional material requested. The evaluation team may then decide to award the contract (in accordance with Section D) to the producer(s), which best meets, the assessment criteria OR we may commission a pilot only

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Note: At any stage of the process, we may need to come back to you to seek clarification. Your answers will be factored into the evaluation process as appropriate.

Step 3 We may decide to hold second interviews, for example, in the event where we need more information to be able to differentiate between proposals. OR we may commission a pilot only.

STAGE 3: CONTRACT SIGNED

STAGE 4: FEEDBACKIf you’re unsuccessful after attending an interview / pitch meeting, you may request feedback. Once notified you have two weeks to request feedback. Requests for feedback should be made to Louise.kattenhorn@bbc.co.uk Feedback will be provided within two weeks of receiving the request.

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3. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

We will assess your Full Proposal (and pitch should we require one) according to the main criteria below (editorial proposal and capability, value for money and risk). More details on how we will make our assessment will be given to all those shortlisted at the same time as they are invited to submit a Full Proposal.

Assessment Criteria and Indicators Weighting

1.    Editorial proposal and capabilityIndicators:

·       Fit of editorial proposal to overall Radio 1 Podcast Strategy How well it meets the needs of the target audience

·       Format and structure of the podcast·       Innovation and freshness·       Proposed production team’s experience and track record in

producing compelling speech content, podcasts and social content for young audiences (including senior team)

·       Keen appreciation of the world of comedy, popular culture, music and entertainment relevant to target audience

·       Depth of knowledge of youth culture·       Demonstrable ability to attract, develop and manage talent

(inc. high profile talent if relevant to the proposal)

·       Proposed production team’s track record in producing programmes for youth audiences

·       Plans for engaging young audiences via social media and interactive content

·       Additional digital innovation·       Diversity (on air and off air)

75%

2.    Value for MoneyIndicators:

·         Price per episode

·         Financial plan [including budget showing production and overheads]

·         Efficiency of production process

20%

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Assessment Criteria and Indicators Weighting

·         Acceptance of key contract terms (which includes compliance with all applicable UK law)

·         Additional production value

3.    RiskIndicators:

·         Business Continuity (incl. Delivery)

·         BBC reputational risk

·         Conflict of interest

·         Ability to comply with all relevant UK legislation and BBC Policies (not limited to editorial policies)

5%

SECTION C: FULL PROPOSALS

1. WHAT WE NEED FROM YOUYour Full Proposal must be entered into the main ‘Synopsis’ section in Proteus by noon on 13th June/ 15th August/17th October - late submissions cannot be accepted. It should adopt the structure below and, should not in total exceed five sides of A4 when printed using Arial font, size 11.

Part 1 – Your detailed Full Proposal, showing your response to the BBC’s requirements outlined in Section A of this commissioning brief.

Part 2 – A section containing the following information:

(i) The name and contact details of your nominated representative (a single point of contact within your organisation who will be responsible for all communication related to the commissioning brief).

(ii) Evidence that you have the skills to deliver, or the ability to acquire the skills to deliver, the production of the programme in line with this commissioning brief.

(iii) Details of third party suppliers. You may want to work in partnership with third parties to deliver the brief. If so, you should include:

o responses on behalf of each partnero details of the responsibilities of each partner

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o an outline of the main personnel who will be responsible for the production and delivery of the programme

o An explanation of how working in partnership would be successfully achieved, including a proposed legal structure (e.g. one lead contractor and sub-contractors).

(iv) Details of your proposed total programme and per episode cost, broken down by price to BBC Public Service and any other funding sources. As part of our strategic priorities the BBC is making a commitment to the real living wage (as described by the Living Wage Foundation – see livingwage.org.uk). The per episode cost of the programme should be budgeted to account for the real living wage and the Full Proposal should include details of how compliance with the real living wage will be achieved.

(v) As the BBC is looking for an original programme format, and not development of an existing programme/series, the BBC’s view is that TUPE will not be relevant or applicable to this commission.

Appendix A – Confirmation of acceptance of the BBC’s key contract terms.

Appendix B – Risk management. You should identify specific risks e.g. production risk, business continuity etc.; and the processes or systems that will be put in place to manage these. If applicable, you should also include a detailed transition plan and an explanation of how you will manage the transition from the current production of the programme, with minimum disruption.

Please note, the contract will be offered as a “fixed price” deal, with you being responsible for any overspend and entitled to keep any underspend. Whilst you are welcome to include proposals to deliver levels of content over and above that set out as required in Section A, this will need to be funded from within the published guide price.

If you have any questions regarding the submission of your Full Proposal, please ensure you email them to louise.kattenhorn@bbc.co.uk five working days before the submission deadlines.

2. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US

NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVEThe BBC’s nominated representatives for this commissioning brief are Louise Kattenhorn and Joe Harland. No individual other than the BBC’s nominated representative (or his delegates as advised by the BBC) is authorised to discuss the contents or the substance of this commissioning brief with you. We’ll let you know of any change or addition to the BBC’s nominated representatives.

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RESPONSES TO YOUR QUESTIONSIn the interest of fair competition, where we feel it’s appropriate, anonymised questions and responses will be circulated to all producers.

COPYRIGHTThe BBC is a signatory to, and will abide by the principles of the APC Code.

CONFIDENTIALITYSubject to Section 2, paragraph 5 (Freedom of Information Act), the BBC will keep confidential all commercially sensitive information included in responses to this commissioning brief and will only use this information for the purposes of evaluating the Full Proposal, provided that you have identified the confidential nature of any such information in your response documents.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACTAs a public authority, the BBC is required to comply with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“FOIA”), which came into force on 1 January 2005. The FOIA is intended to deliver greater accountability for decisions and spending across the whole of the public sector. It requires public authorities to strike a balance between achieving transparency and protecting genuinely confidential or commercially sensitive information.

You should be aware that, under an FOIA request, the BBC may be required to disclose information contained within the Full Proposal or future contractual information. Following a request, the BBC may take the views of organisations submitting proposals into account when deciding what information will be disclosed.

For more information on the Freedom of Information Act see bbc.co.uk/foi .

COSTSYou submit responses to this commissioning brief and take part in this process at your own cost.

A FIXED PRICE DEALThe contract will be offered as a “fixed price” deal; with you being responsible for any overspend and entitled to keep any underspend.

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Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the following instructions. Proposals not complying with these instructions may be rejected by the Commissioner whose decision in this matter will be final.

3. IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE

All Full Proposals should be submitted using Proteus by noon on 13th June/15th

August/17th October. It should not in total exceed five sides of A4 when printed using Arial font, size 11.

We strongly advise you to submit your final responses in good time to avoid the possibility of difficulties caused by unforeseen network or transmission problems. No late submissions will be accepted.

If additional supporting material is requested prior to the pitching meeting, we will notify you of how and when to submit this in good time ahead of that meeting.

This commissioning brief is not a contract. However, the information contained in this commissioning brief, together with your responses, will form the basis of the final contract between you and the BBC.

The BBC reserves the right to exclude any producer that is found to either:

a) Have provided information which is untrue, or b) Be in breach of any of the terms of the non-disclosure agreement.

IMPORTANT: Producers are not permitted to contact on-air talent or their producers without prior approval of the commissioner.

Any producer found to be in breach of this clause will be excluded from the commissioning process.

The BBC may modify the commissioning brief (including the timetable as outlined in Section B.1) at any time prior to the submission deadline. Any such amendment will be notified in writing to all prospective producers. To allow time for such amendment to be taken into account, the BBC may, at its discretion, extend the deadline for receipt of submissions.

The BBC reserves the right at any time prior to the award of a commission, and without incurring any liability to the affected suppliers, to accept or to reject any proposal, or to annul the commissioning process rejecting all Full Proposals. More information relating to all commissioning briefs and rounds, regardless of Networks can be found on the Pitching Ideas page of the Radio Commissioning Website:

By submitting your proposal, you confirm acceptance of the key contract terms.

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Copy and paste Eligibility Section below into this field in Proteus.

Proteus Screen Grab

APPENDIX 1: ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONNAIREGUIDANCE

The Eligibility Questionnaire is the first part of your submission the BBC will consider as part of the process. Once completed, please copy and paste your responses into the Add/Edit Notes Here section of the Create Proposal page in Proteus – as per the screen grab below.

You MUST complete Part 1 if you plan to submit a proposal as a partnership. If not, go straight to Part 2.

Please list each partnership and describe the responsibilities each partner will take.

[Insert details]

Please indicate the lead company with whom the BBC will contract.

[Insert details]

Please include the key personnel responsible for the production and delivery of the programme and details of the partnering company they are currently contracted to.

Part 2: Production Experience

You MUST complete Eligibility Production Experience. We require a production base with considerable experience and capability in making podcast content for young audiences

In no more than 250 words please summarize your track record in this area.[Insert details]

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Please note: the answers given in response to the above questions will only be considered during Stage 1 of the commissioning process. If you are shortlisted and invited to submit a Full Proposal, you may wish to consider repeating some, or all of the information given in your Full Proposal.

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