Commissioning Brief - BBC

Commissioning Details
Commissioning Year 2014/2015
Main (First) Round
Ad Hoc Briefs
Documentaries
Presenter-Led Genre Series
Ideas Welcome
Round Opens 26/07/13
Round Closes 12/09/13 @ noon
Results Published 27/11/13
1

CONTENTS
Section 1: Network Introduction and Overview Page 3
Section 2: Overview of Radio 2 Performance and Audience Page 5
Section 3: Working with Radio 2 Page 7
Section 4: Ad Hoc Briefs and slots available for commission Page 13
Documentaries Page 13
Presenter-Led Genre Series Page 17
Ideas Welcome Page 20
Section 6: Commissioning Contacts Page 23
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‣ Section 1: Network Introduction & Overview
Welcome to our Main Commissioning Round for 2014/2015.
It’s been another successful year for the network, still the biggest, and ‘most listened to’, radio
station in the UK. In the latest RAJAR figures, we has moved up again to a record weekly reach
of 15.27m. The average age of a Radio 2 listener remains stable at 51 years, as does the average
age of a listener to our Breakfast Show. The Chris Evans Show posted a record reach and share,
9.80m and 19.2%, and there were also record reach figures for programmes right across the
schedule: Ken Bruce, Jeremy Vine, Graham Norton, Pick of the Pops, Dermot O’Leary, Steve
Wright Love Songs, Weekend Wogan, Elaine Paige and Johnnie Walker.
The last couple of months have seen Radio 2 broadcast some very creative and distinctive
programming, with much of that content right at the heart of our daytime schedule. At the end
of May Chris Evans introduced his 500 Words children’s writing competition with the Final again
held at the Hay Literary Festival. This year we received a record 90, 271 entries, and worked
again with BBC Learning this year creating a 500 words pack which was sent out to over 5,000
schools.
Our third 2 Day was themed around the 60th anniversary of Friday Night Is Music Night. From Chris
Evans through to Simon Mayo, each show shone a spotlight on a different section of the
orchestra. We received an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience, while the
digital impact of 2 Day was huge. Each daytime show featured live inserts from Hackney Empire
- all filmed, edited and turned around quickly to be shared as ‘catch up highlights’ on our
website and on social media. The day culminated in a Friday Night Is Music Night gala concert
from Hackney, streamed live on the BBC Red Button and the Radio 2 website. On the night there
were 378,000 live Red button views, with this rising to 590,000 following a catch-up day the week
after.
Our year-long documentary series The People’s Songs - Stuart Maconie’s History of Modern Britain
in 50 records - continues throughout 2013. This project launched on our website last August (a full
five months before transmission), where our listeners were encouraged to contribute to this major
project. Their memories and recollections are now part of this landmark show which
commenced in January. The entire run is ‘series-stacked’ on the Radio 2 website, so listeners can
go and listen back to every show so far, and there is also a special People’s Songs Gallery at the
O2’s British Music Experience.
In 2013 Radio 2’s commitment to live music has been supported by a monthly series of unique
multi-platform live music events, with performances by world famous talent. On Thursday 16th
May, Rod Stewart performed an In Concert at the BBC Radio Theatre. It was not just an evening
concert but an event which ran throughout the whole day – a lucky listener won a pair of tickets
in Chris Evans’ Breakfast Show; Rod then performed a couple of songs in his ‘Soundcheck’ live for
Claudia Winkleman. Jo Whiley hosted an “Ask Rod” interview where she put listener questions to
the singer streamed on the Radio 2 website, and Rod also popped in to chat to Simon Mayo on
his Drivetime show. The evening concert was streamed live on the BBC Red Button and the Radio
2 website. 570,000 people watched the Red button, which included 179,000 watching live on the
night.
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The following day Radio 2 commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid. Chris
Evans broadcast his Breakfast show live from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, and then flew in one
of the last remaining serviceable Lancaster Bombers to Biggin Hill in Kent, where Jeremy Vine was
broadcasting his show from. The day culminated in a special Friday Night Is Music Night, live from
Biggin Hill airport. Jeremy and Dermot O’Leary retold the story of the Dambusters Raid in a
documentary-drama, with a musical soundtrack played by the BBC Concert Orchestra and the
Central Band of the RAF.
Our specialist music offering is key to our broad and distinctive schedule. Over the first May Bank
Holiday we broadcast live from the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Friday Night Is Music Night
celebrated 70 years of jazz and blues legend Georgie Fame where he performed alongside a
number of special guests. On the Bank Holiday Monday, we had a special concert from
Madeleine Peyroux, while Jamie Cullum also featured highlights from the festival in his jazz show.
We may no longer have a weekly slot for half-hour comedy commissions, but we recognise that
comedy is still very important to Radio 2. We continue to support BBC Radio’s New Comedy
Award, with its home on Radio 2 within Steve Wright In The Afternoon. Also this year we have
teamed up with our colleagues at BBC Radio 4 Extra. Both networks have aired the launch of the
competition, while 4 Extra will broadcast the regional heats, and Radio 2 the semi-finals and final
in December.
Incredibly all of this content – from the final of 500 Words to the launch of the New Comedy
Award, from In Concert to Friday Night Is Music Night, from our documentary content to specialist
music events – was broadcast in May this year!
With continued pressures on budgets, we need to be cleverer with ad-hoc commissioning for
Radio 2 – fewer, bigger, better – there will be fewer commissions, but we want to buy more
ambitious programming that has a bigger and better cut-through, with impact right across our
schedule, and across different digital platforms. And looking ahead to the period of this
commissioning round – we have obviously already commissioned programming around The
Guitar, The Commonwealth Games and World War I, so many of our available slot are already
covered, but please feel free to suggest any complimentary ideas you may have on these, or for
other themes and projects that you think may work well for Radio 2.
But as always I would encourage you to talk to Robert about your proposals before you formally
submit them. These Pre-Offers Meets will give you a steer on focus and content, and how your
ideas might work within the context of the schedule. And please contact Julian with any
questions you may have regarding the processes, commissioning or the schedule. And please
feel free to feedback any ways in which we could improve the way we work with you.
For the really big ideas you should think about the possibility of partnerships, inside and outside
the BBC, and you should also be aware the BBC Learning are willing to help fund ideas that have
educational angle to them.
Thank you for continuing to engage with Radio 2.
Bob Shennan
Controller, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 6 Music & Asian Network
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‣ Section 2: Radio 2 Performance & Audience
5

Kim McNally
Research Manager, Radio 2, 6 Music, Radio 3, Popular & Classical Music genres
6

‣ Section 3: Working with Radio 2
This section contains information on;
The Commissioning process
Delivery requirements
o Programme
o Technical
o Press & Publicity Interactive
o Interactive
Overview
The broadcasting world is changing fast and our audiences want to find our programmes wherever they
appear. To help them, we need to make sure programmes are delivered on time, to length and with the
necessary associated information.
As well as the wider changes, Radio 2 is playing out parts of the schedule automatically, removing live
continuity announcements. This means the Radio 2 schedule needs to run exactly to time. To enable this,
the scheduling team will be responsible for building the schedule in exact, hour long chunks. The changes
required to help them do this are set out below
Another benefit of hitting programme junctions accurately is no more problems with iPlayer clipping the
ends of programmes.
Delivery requirements …
Pre-recorded programmes
Programmes to be delivered 4 weeks prior to transmission
Programmes to be delivered to exact durations – confirmed by Julian Grundy
Programme descriptions to be provided 5 weeks prior to transmission
Built trails to be exactly 45 seconds long
Live programmes
Programmes to be delivered to exact durations – confirmed by Julian Grundy
Programme descriptions to be provided 5 weeks prior to transmission
Built trails to be exactly 45 seconds long
The Output
Core Output of Radio 2
The majority of programmes - the core output - are long-running strands which are produced either by
Radio 2 producers or a small group of Independent companies. When the strands produced by
Independents come up for renewal they are put out for tender using the process described below.
Non - Core output of Radio 2
Commissioning rounds take place twice a year to complement the core output. It is within these rounds
that ideas are sought for a wide range of documentaries, specialist music, comedy, event and other
programming. Readings are commissioned alongside special events or seasons.
If you are an Independent Production Company, and want to enter offers to radio 2 commissioning
rounds, please sign up to the BBC Radio Independent Production Company database using this Pro-
Forma.
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The Commissioning Process:
How will I know when to propose my idea?
The Audio and Music Database will be used to alert Indies who have expressed an interest to all
commissioning rounds using the BBC Radio Commissioning Website as well as email.
In House producers will be notified that commissioning rounds are open via email.
Submitting your proposal?
We would encourage you to talk to the network – Robert Gallacher – about your proposals before
you formally submit them. And, please contact Julian Grundy with any other questions you may
have.
Proposals are submitted using Proteus Commissioning (Proteus information web page).
Proposals should include a short synopsis followed by a more detailed explanation of the idea and
treatment being proposed together with a proposed price per episode. (More details on the site).
Additional Information for Independent producers:
To be considered for a commission, all Independent companies should ensure that their proposals
demonstrate evidence of relevant experience for all staff involved in music-radio production within
the briefs being tendered for.
It is advisable to look at the Radio Business Affairs page of the BBC Radio Commissioning website
before submitting a proposal. Full information useful to prospective programme-makers (including
information on underlying Rights, contractual and legal aspects of commissioning, Health & Safety
requirements and the BBC's complaints procedure) are set out there.
A summary of the terms agreed with the radio independent production sector is set out in the
Terms of Trade. The programme production agreement that the BBC would expect to conclude
with an independent producer is made up of the General Terms and the Special Terms.
A guide to how you should deal with complaints from the public and how to direct your complaints
to the BBC is available via the BBC Complaints Procedures for Independent Producers.
What happens then?
After the closing date there will be a shortlisting period where producers may be asked to discuss
their idea further.
Proposals will either be ‘conditionally commissioned’ at a suggested price or ‘rejected’. This
information will be recorded in Proteus.
All ‘conditionally commissioned’ proposals will state a provisional tx date. Please work towards the
provisional tx date unless otherwise advised.
All documentary / series presenters must be approved by the network prior to you contracting
them, even if they have been discussed at a pitching meeting.
Budget
In-house budgets are agreed with Darren Bodek - BBC Finance Partner and the Radio 2
Commissioning Team, and should be below or in line with the guide price listed in the
Commissioning Brief.
The budget Radio 2 is willing to pay for independent proposals is detailed at the time of
conditional commission. If that offer is deemed unacceptable then a detailed budget will be
required and negotiated with the Business Affairs team. The Business Affairs team support all of the
BBC's national radio stations in activities associated with contracting Independent productions.
Formal Commission
In House; your programmes are only formally commissioned when a presenter and budget have
been agreed.
Continued…
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Independent productions; your programmes are only formally commissioned when a presenter
and budget have been agreed and a commissioning contract is signed and returned. Until this
point, all commissions are still regarded as ‘conditional’ rather than 'formal commissions'. Any work
you undertake prior to this is at your own risk.
Please liaise with Darren Bodek and the Radio 2 Commissioning Team (BBC) or the Business Affairs
Team (Independents) to ensure these are agreed ASAP.
Compliance
You must consult Fergus Dudley - Editor, Editorial Standards Radio 2, 6 Music & Asian Network over
any Compliance issues you may have regarding language, rights or material BEFORE you make the
programme.
Compliance forms must also accurately reflect your programme content and conversations you
have had with us.
All programmes must comply with the relevant statutory and regulatory provisions. If you have a
programme compliance issue and are not sure if it falls in the realms of editorial policy, programme
legal advice, business affairs or elsewhere please contact Fergus Dudley.
In line with the BBC Editorial Standards, compliance measures have been agreed and introduced
for commissions across the BBC, including provisions relating to training and those occasions when
on-air talent own or manage the company. Full details and guidance can be found on BBC -
Commissioning - Compliance.
All production staff working on commissions (producer & executive producer) must have
completed the BBC 'Safeguarding Trust' course. If this is not the case please contact the network to
organise the necessary training.
Delivery requirements – Programme
Delivery details will be available on all commissioning documentation and via the Radio commissioning
website and, if you are an Independent Production Company, they will be included in your programme
production agreement
Pre-recorded programmes must be delivered to us 4 weeks prior to tx. For independent
productions this is a contractual obligation.
The network will designate some pre-recorded programmes as ‘Topical’ and the delivery date of
those programmes will be set at a time different from 4 weeks ahead of TX
Programmes which are normally live and have on occasions to be pre-recorded will agree their
delivery date at the time the Scheduling team is informed of the change.
Delivery 4 weeks out will allow us to better publicise your programmes, and enable us to meet the
detailed compliance requirements. This will also assist Station Sound campaign planning. Please contact
Chris Reay with the recording date with your presenter to help build a bespoke trail promoting your
programme.
All programmes must be delivered to the exact durations as advised (see commissioning briefs).
These durations are not negotiable.
Once delivered the programme duration will be checked by the scheduling team at the earliest
opportunity - If the duration is incorrect, the producer of that programme will be informed by e-
mail the duration is not acceptable and asked to deliver a version of the correct length by the
following day.
Failure to deliver to the terms and conditions of your programme commission with respect to timetabled
dates and durations will be brought to the attention of Network management and could affect our ability
to broadcast your programme.
Should you be aware that you may have difficulty with any aspect of delivery you must inform the
network – Julian Grundy - immediately.
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Delivery requirements – Programme Descriptions
Programme descriptions must be provided 5 weeks prior to tx.
In house producers must enter these in Proteus.
Independent producers must use the template found via Programme Descriptions.
This will provide our press and digital teams with the best possible opportunity to publicise your
programmes, in an increasingly crowded market-place. (see Press and Publicity section)
Delivery requirements - Technical
Format
Programmes must be delivered as a linear WAV, linear BWAV or FLAC file.
BBC Radio technical specification for wav files can be found here:
http://www.bbcradioresources.com/TechnicalSpecificationBWAV/index.html.
For technical enquiries and expert advice email
Pete Scott, Digital Specialist, Western House
Andy Simmonds, Operations Manager, Western House
Technical Delivery process
Process for BWAV delivery – BBC Production departments
You will need access to the "VCS Ingester" server. For details contact Pete Scott / Andy Simmonds
From your digital editor bounce down the programme to a single 16 bit, 44.1kHz, stereo wav file.
The naming of this wav file is important. It should include the Network, Title and TX date. It should
not include any punctuation or spaces - use underscore to make the name readable. E.G.
R2_A_Programme_120612.wav
Save the programme BWAV to
\\bbcmedrr006\vcs_ingester$\Radio_2\Radio_2_London_auto\R2_London_VCS_Programmes
Make sure you have emailed the Pres details to Presentation-R2 (on the BBC Global Address list)
cc’ing Julian Grundy, Paula Street, James Carpenter and Anna McMahon.
In a few minutes, the wav file you saved will have changed to .ren. This means that the file has
successfully transferred to Radio 2's VCS dira system.
Contact the Radio 2 Presentation team via email (as above) or on 02 50655, 02 53112 or 02 53250
to advise delivery. THIS IS CRUCIAL. They listen to the In and Out of the programme to check that
they match the In and Out words on the presentation details and that the durations match. They
also spot check the audio for obvious technical faults. If there are no problems, and the
programme has received the required Proteus compliance sign-off, they will schedule it. The
Presentation Office is staffed, Monday to Friday 1000 -1800.
Failure to complete this step within 1 working day of delivering your programme can result in your
programme being lost.
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Process for BWAV delivery – Independent Production Companies
You will need an FTP account to access the BBC's servers and you will need suitable FTP software. You
may also require (free) FLAC encoding software. For details contact Pete Scott
From your digital editor bounce down the programme to a single 16 bit, 44.1kHz, stereo wav file.
The naming of this wav file is important. It should include the Network, Title and TX. It should not
include any punctuation or spaces - use underscore to make the name readable. E.G.
R2_A_Programme_120612.wav
If required you may data compress the file to the FLAC format.
Send the file to your company’s folder on the BBC’s FTP server.
Make sure you have emailed the Presentation details to Presentation-R2 (on the BBC Global
Address list) cc’ing Julian Grundy, Paula Street, James Carpenter and Anna McMahon.
Contact the Radio 2 Presentation team via email (as above) or on 02 50655, 02 53112 or 02 53250
to advise delivery. THIS IS CRUCIAL. They listen to the In and Out of the programme to check that
they match the In and Out words on the presentation details and that the durations match. They
also spot check the audio for obvious technical faults. If there are no problems, and the
programme has received the required Proteus compliance sign-off, they will schedule it. The
Presentation Office is staffed, Monday to Friday 1000 -1800.
Failure to complete this step within 1 working day of delivering your programme can result in your
programme being lost.
Delivery requirements – Press & Publicity
The Radio 2 Press and Publicity team generate publicity to inform new and existing audiences about what
Radio 2 has to offer via print press, radio, television and online activity. There are a number of ways in
which you can help give them the best chance of promoting you programme.
When you deliver your programme description 5 weeks before transmission make them stand out.
Great descriptions of the subject, location of interviews, pertinent quotes from contributors, and
explanation of why the presenter is fronting the show all pique the interest of journalists and make
the description searchable on the internet.
Ask your presenter whether they are willing to promote the programme on radio, TV, online or in
print. This could be an interview or an authored piece e.g. Stuart Maconie on The People’s songs
The Daily Mirror - http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/going-out/music/great-brit-tunes-dj-stuartmaconie-1522141.
If presenters aren’t able or willing to do it, we can sometimes use the insight
from the producer e.g. for the BBC Radio blog: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/radio/posts/Voice-
Week-on-BBC-Radio-2
Behind the scenes pictures or stories are useful if there is a major talent involved, or if the subject of
the documentary is visually interesting.
The earlier you deliver a pre-recorded programme the better. Most previewers look for
programmes to feature approximately 3 weeks prior to transmission but if the network receives
the programme earlier, we can target media as soon as possible. Monthly magazines i.e. GQ,
Elle, Q, Mojo, work at least two months in advance.
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Delivery requirements – Interactive
The Radio 2 audience is now engaging with digital in unprecedented numbers across online, mobile,
tablet and the BBC Red Button. The launch of the BBC iplayer Radio app has resulted in the Radio 2
audience listening via mobile and tablet in large numbers
Audiences are consuming programmes through the website, via podcast and mobile in unprecedented
numbers, The Peoples Songs series is the most listened to on demand documentary series to date. From
January all BBC radio content will be available to download in full for 30 days via iplayer radio.
Visualisation of our content has become especially important with most major Radio 2 events now in
vision online and on red button where there are attracting record numbers. This is not just in popular
music, heritage brands such as Friday Night is Music Night are reaching new listeners having been
visualised for the first time. We will continue to look for new ways to reach an older audience digitally in
the year ahead.
The new Radio and Music Product which focuses around the promotion of audio and video as well as the
live experience is enabling us to rapidly grow the online audience with a simpler experience for the user.
We are, however, more reliant on programme teams updating pages and content. Additionally we are
made a major push across social media, and ask all programmes to engage in this, updating the Radio 2
Facebook pages and running their own twitter accounts.
It is also important that everybody working for Radio 2 is aware of syndication opportunities for their
content, where their material can live outside of the BBC online and in third party spaces. We will be
looking for all programme makers to engage in this process, ensuring that their content has a life within
digital spaces and grows organically online.
In summary, all programme teams should be able to
• Reversion their programme into a podcast and publish it
• Be able to provide relevant metadata around their programming as requested
• Be aware and communicate visualisation possibilities around their content.
• Update their own social spaces as necessary
• An awareness of music blogs and digital services and how they can be exploited
• Ability and knowledge to segment content and make available online both inside and outside
of the BBC environment.
• Knowledge of the online audience and their requirements.
• To plan content across the multiplatform space in addition to the linear environ.
• Ability to publish online, update blogs and content listings.
• Take, edit and publish good quality photographs of guests/artists on their programme
We do recognise however that none of the above is a requirement under the current Terms of Trade for
independent suppliers.
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‣ Section 4:
‣ BBC Radio 2 Commissioning Briefs:
‣ DOCUMENTARIES & MUSIC FEATURES
Tx Slot Round Brief
No.
Dur’n Available
Slots
Price
Mon-Wed 1 20173 56’19” TBA TBA
@ 22:03
(Once Network budgets
have been reviewed and
approved – prices will be
advised)
Commissioning
Category
Universal
Radio 2’s documentary programming runs over consecutive nights on Mondays, Tuesdays and
Thursdays. (Wednesday see the year-long The People’ Songs series aired, written and presented by
Stuart Maconie).
This brief is where Radio 2 continues to establish its credentials as a feature-maker of real merit and
depth.
We are looking to commission distinctive documentaries that reflect both the UK and the world.
Celebrating the rich heritage of popular culture – music, entertainment and the arts – that the UK
has created, exported and embraced. Currently, the slot is carrying documentaries that look back
at British jazz saxophonist Benny Green’s life as a BBC Radio presenter, highlights from this years
Latitude Festival – as covered by BBC 6 Music and, there’s another chance to hear Sir Tim Rice as
he takes us on a musical journey around each of the states of the USA.
Autumn sees the network embark upon a musical odyssey showcasing the best in blues and then
country, in two themed seasons of programming, taking in such notable events as Bluesfest and the
CMA Awards. Wrapping around these we have documentaries and music feature series fronted by
amongst others Hugh Laurie and Cerys Matthews.
We will also mark 1963 with special programming around the assassination of JFK, the TV birth of Dr
Who and a remake of the satirical comedy series That Was The Week That Was with David Frost
fronting That Was The Year That Was.
You can see that from this snapshot of programmes (and the ones listed below), the scope is
exceptionally broad. The strand demands strong journalism, creative, imaginative production,
engaging, credible and passionate presenters and where possible, new interviews with key
contributors. All of these elements make for compelling listening, whether introducing the
audience to a subject, personality or theme for the first time or augmenting an existing knowledge
or interest.
As mentioned earlier in this document, we are looking to add distinctiveness to our daytime output
by placing interviews from our documentary output into shows pre-7pm in order to provide a
greater platform for your documentaries and provide an opportunity to put our evening content
into context across the whole of Radio 2.
Continued…
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‣ DOCUMENTARIES & MUSIC FEATURES continued
Recent highlights have included…
Music In The Air: History Of Music Radio
Paul Gambaccini presented a six-part history of music radio in the UK and USA.
His essays took in key themes such as…
Broadcasting Has Come to Stay - The opening programme of the series revealed that the first
piece of music ever played on radio was Handel's Largo - the aria Ombra Mai Fu from the opera
Xerxes. Reginald Fessenden featured a recording of this music during a broadcast from the coast of
Massachusetts on Christmas Eve 1906. And Paul traces the developments made by the early radio
pioneers from this moment, to the end of the Second World War.
The Moondog Kingdom - The second programme traced developments from the end of the
Second World War, to the early 60s. The war had demonstrated the central role of radio in the lives
of listeners. And in post-war America, large companies wished to remain part of that relationship
with sponsored network shows.
Good Night to You and Good Morning - The third programme traced the developments that led to
the start of the BBC's first dedicated channel for pop music - Radio 1 - in September 1967.
God Bless You, Music Lovers - The fourth programme traced developments in the UK from the start
of BBC Radio 1 in September 1967, to the late 1970s. In America, a new style of music presentation
was heard on FM radio.
It's All Happening at the Zoo - The fifth programme traced developments from the late 70s to the
beginning of the 90s.
It Always Brought Such Comfort - The final programme traced developments from the early 90s to
the present day.
Continued…
14

‣ DOCUMENTARIES & MUSIC FEATURES continued
Recent highlights have included…
Electric Dreams: The Giorgio Moroder Story
Nile Rodgers presented this special programme on Giorgio Moroder, the man behind the sound of
Donna Summer, the producers' producer, the legend many say invented dance music.
Nile focus' specifically on his work in music production, his formative years in Italy before he moved
to Munich and how he created the team who would become known the world over as the Munich
machine. This was at a time when Europe was really emerging as home to Krautrock - the name
given to bands such as Kraftwerk, Can, Neu! and Tangerine Dream. Giorgio's sound though didn't
fall under the 'Krautrock' umbrella. He was creating music which was fusing European electronica
with American R n B. This was soon to be known as disco.
Giorgio enjoyed massive success with Donna Summer, then with the Three Degrees and other artists
including Sparks but it was his work in the film world that really sent him interstellar..
In 1978 Alan Parker was directing a film called 'Midnight Express'. He really liked the sound of ' I Feel
Love' by Donna Summer and promptly contacted Giorgio to do the soundtrack to the movie.
Giorgio duly obliged - the film score went on to pick up an oscar and the rest as they say is history.
Offers came fast and furious and there followed a mouth watering array of projects including
American Gigolo, Top Gun, Flashdance, and lesser films such as Electric Dreams and the
Neverending Story. Giorgio had conquered tinseltown. It was official.
With fresh interviews with the man himself, Debbie Harry, Irene Cara, New Order's Bernard Sumner,
and the Mael brothers from Sparks, among many more, Nile Rodgers celebrates the life and times
of Mr Giorgio Moroder.
Continued…
15

‣ DOCUMENTARIES & MUSIC FEATURES continued
Recent highlights have included…
History Of British Comedy
David Mitchell traced the history of British humour from Music Hall to the modern day. Stand up
comedy, funny songs, blockbuster films, and superstar performers - it might seem like the world of
today, but as David learnt, we've hardly travelled any distance at all.
In the first of a four part series, David took us from 1913 to 1938. We learnt about the cutting edge
innovation that was the Music Hall 'comedy turn'. And the programme also looked at the early days
of the movies - silent at the start, but virtually entirely comedy based.
Programme two traced the history of British humour from World War 2 to the dawn of the 1960s.
From the cosy world of ITMA to the new wave represented by The Goons - here more than
anywhere else, the path of modern British comedy changed.
This episode looked at how the Variety Theatres were briefly closed - and then opened again to
boost morale - and how Radio became a nation's lifeline.
Programme three looked at 'Round The Horne' - Innuendo has been there in every programme so
far, but never in the field of British comedy has anyone pushed as hard as Julian and Sandy did!
He examined the big screen too. Everyone knows what is meant by the phrase "Carry On humour",
but as the films moved through the 60s, they became freer and laced with sexual innuendo. But by
their demise in the late seventies, the double entendre was more forced and attempts to shock
were creeping in.
Programme four traced the history of British humour from the 1980s to the present day.
70s escapism gave way to 80s cynicism, and this final episode in the series explored why comedy
changed suddenly instead of gradually - and the role Channel 4 played in that change.
This was the era of The Young Ones and Blackadder, but was alternative comedy really something
new - post World War 2 the old order was actively challenged by those seeking a new approach -
and even before that, the Crazy Gang had almost set the template for 'alternative'?
16

‣ Section 4:
‣ BBC Radio 2 Commissioning Briefs:
‣ PRESENTER-LED GENRE SERIES
Tx Slot Round Brief
No.
Duration
Available
Slots
Price Guide
TBA 1 20180 55’34” 50 weeks Up to £2k per
programme
Commissioning
Category
Universal
This is an hour-long slot that is looking to carry musical genres or presenter-led critiques of genres or
elements of music making and their related expert musical exponents, that are not catered for
directly, across the rest of the Radio 2 schedule.
Genres across the strand could include reggae, rock’n’roll, latin, new wave, world, rock, gospel or
classical. Please do suggest other genres that you feel have a place on the network and would
appeal to our audience.
The presenter is key. They must be a credible, trusted guide through the series. Illuminating their
subject and contextualising in an informed, passionate manner.
Nitin Sawhney
Nitin Sawhney brought his eclecticism to Radio 2 in a series exploring music from all cultures and
traditions 'in a welcome melting of all boundaries'. From flamenco to pop, rock to Indian classical,
punk to electronica, reggae to drum 'n' bass, orchestral to folk, Nitin joins the dots between music
and cultures around the globe. This show was truly a global sonic excursion blending the popular
with the obscure and the innovative with the diverse.
Plus each week Nitin collaborated with an artist to create a brand new track exclusively for the
show. Collaborations for the series were with; London based 'One Eskimo' - renowned Malian Ngoni
player Bassekou Kouyate who was also joined by his wife Amy Sacko on vocals – Japanese-born
British violinist Diana Yukawa - Joss Stone.
Continued…
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‣ PRESENTER-LED GENRE SERIES continued
Nitin Sawhney
Over the four part series we heard music from amongst others - soul legend Terry Callier, Pakistan’s
Abida Parveen;, Chet Baker, dub producer LV, Astrud Gilberto, Bristol's Massive Attack, Spain's
Tomatito, Turkey's Omar Faruk, Germany's Jazzanova and Afrobeat ensemble Kokolo Afrobeat
Orchestra.
Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow returned to Radio 2 for a second ten-part series – this time Barry celebrated the lives
and works of the great songwriters.
Across the ten weeks, Barry brought his unique insight and presentation to profile songwriters that
have shaped the direction of, and set the bar in, music composition.
Barry’s profiles celebrated the work of the Jerome Kern - Cole Porter, the wealthy playboy who
wrote wonderful music - the prolific yet little-known American composer Harry Warren - two
extraordinary songwriters … Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz - a musical colossus who wrote an
unimaginable number of hit songs over a 40 year period with numerous composers and did it
without any formal musical training… Johnny Mercer - Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, two
legendary writers of musical theatre whose work includes Camelot, Brigadoon and My Fair Lady -
the man with 23 Oscar nominations, Sammy Cahn - British songwriters Leslie Bricusse and Anthony
Newley - Burt Bacharach and Hal David - Holland, Dozier and Holland, one of the greatest pop
songwriting teams of all time.
Continued…
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‣ PRESENTER-LED GENRE SERIES continued
David Rodigan
David Rodigan showcases his love for all types of reggae music. With classic roots and reggae from
the 60s to the present, he celebrates its back catalogue and looks to its future.
David is a hero to Jamaican music lovers here in the UK and right across the world. With his unique
style and love for the genre, Rodigan has been at the top of his game for over 30 years. He has a
massive following and is recognised as the authority in reggae broadcasting. There is no reggae
artist Rodigan hasn't interviewed and his contacts in Jamaica and across the world are
unbeatable. David is currently on air with his third series on the network.
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‣ Section 4:
‣ BBC Radio 2 Commissioning Briefs:
‣ IDEAS WELCOME
Tx Slot Round Brief Dur’n Available Price Guide Commissioning
No.
Slots
Category
TBA 1 20158 TBA TBA TBA Universal
This is a brief designed to allow for ideas that carry an ambition that works beyond the traditional
commissioning brief format. Where ideas do not naturally fit into commissioning briefs, or where
ideas are outside of the traditional schedule, please propose them under this banner.
This category is designed to give more opportunity for innovative ideas, special events and seasons
to flourish. The seasons have worked extremely well, adding impact and range throughout the
schedule, encompassing slots across comedy, documentaries, weekday and weekend output.
Examples of ideas that have been offered and commissioned are;
The People’s Songs
Featuring memories contributed by Radio 2 listeners, Stuart Maconie narrates the story of post-war
Britain via 50 records that soundtracked this dramatic and kaleidoscopic period.
The People’s Songs is a weekly series that started in January 2013 on BBC Radio 2.
Across 50 episodes, Stuart Maconie will present the epic story of how modern Britain was fashioned
and shaped, as told by the music, stories and memories of this nation’s people.
From “We'll Meet Again” to “Ghost Town”, from “Rehab” to “God Save The Queen”, we’ll tell the
story of modern Britain via the records that sound-tracked the times - a period of conflict, social
change, parties, prosperity, plenty, poverty, peace and war.
This is a people's history; these are The People's Songs; the audience can help us make history!
Memories, photos, comments, and song suggestions from the listeners help shape each
programme.
Continued…
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‣ IDEAS WELCOME continued
The Listener’s Archive
On Thursday 11 October 2012 a number of BBC buildings around the UK opened their doors and
encouraged people to bring tapes, cassettes and recordings of BBC programmes they’ve found in
their attics, under their stairs or in their garages - in the hope that they help build The Listeners’
Archive.
The major initiative was part of the BBC’s 90th anniversary celebrations and aimed to recover the
lost gems of the BBC’s archive of radio programmes from 1936 to 2000. It was a pan-BBC Radio
project involving BBC local radio in England, BBC Wales, BBC Northern Ireland, along with BBC
Radio 2, BBC Radio 4 and 4 Extra, BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Radio 6 Music.
The recordings helped to enrich the BBC’s archive and plug the gaps in broadcasting history for
future generations. The material collected was broadcast in special programming hosted by Simon
Mayo and Steve Lamacq on Radio 2.
The team were looking for a number of key programmes – including music sessions by high profile
guests pre-1990, comedy programmes pre-1990, dramas and readings pre-1990, appearances by
Dylan Thomas, a number of Reith lectures and lots more.
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‣ IDEAS WELCOME continued
The Dambuster’s – 70 Years On
Friday 17 May 2013 saw Radio 2 commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raid with a
day of special shows.
Thursday 16 and Friday 17 May 2013 marked the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid - an
operation which changed the course of the Second World War. Nineteen Lancaster Bombers, each
carrying the 'Bouncing Bomb', took off from Lincolnshire to destroy the dams of the Ruhr Valley at
the heart of Germany's war-machine.
The crews came from Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Eight aircraft didn't return. In
total, 133 airmen took part in the raid, 53 of them died. In Germany almost 2000 lives were lost as a
result of the dams being breached.
Chris Evans stated the day off, broadcasting live from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, exploring Wing
Commander Guy Gibson's base and meeting the people who could explain the science and
history behind Operation Chastise, more commonly known as the Dambuster raids. Later in the day,
on Jeremy Vine's show, Chris recalled his flight from RAF Scampton to Biggin Hill on board a
Lancaster Bomber earlier in the day.
From midday the Jeremy Vine show was live at ex-RAF airport Biggin Hill in Kent, discussing the
legacy of the Dambusters. He discussed the mission, the impact it had, and looked at the future of
the RAF and what it takes to become a pilot and we heard from the last surviving veterans from the
original mission.
From 8pm, Dermot O'Leary and Jeremy Vine presented a special Friday Night is Music Night
commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid.
The iconic story was re-told with music from the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Central Band of the
RAF, live at Biggin Hill Airport. The evening also featured drama and special messages from
veterans and Barnes Wallis' daughter.
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‣ Section 5:
Contacts
The following list of contacts will be able to assist you at all points of the commissioning process…
Commissioning & Scheduling
Bob Shennan Controller 020 7765 4462
Lewis Carnie Head of Programmes 020 7765 5219
Robert Gallacher Editor, Commissioning 020 7765 2415 robert.gallacher@bbc.co.uk
Julian Grundy
Paula Street
Anna McMahon
James Carpenter
Manager, Commissioning & Scheduling
020 7765 3250 julian.grundy@bbc.co.uk
Presentation, Commissioning & Scheduling
020 7765 0655 paula.street@bbc.co.uk
Programme Numbers, Commissioning & Scheduling
020 7765 3112 anna.mcmahon@bbc.co.uk
Programme Descriptions, Commissioning & Scheduling
020 7765 2072 james.carpenter@bbc.co.uk
Compliance
Fergus Dudley Editor, Editorial Standards 020 7765 0938 fergus.dudley @bbc.co.uk
Music, Interactive and Press & Publicity
Jeff Smith Head of Music 020 7765 3433 Jeff.Smith@bbc.co.uk
Brett Spencer Interactive Editor 020 7765 4710 brett.spencer@bbc.co.uk
Ali Cowe Head of Communications 0207 765 5712 ali.cowe@bbc.co.uk
Finance
Michael Davis
Darren Bodek
Head of Finance, BBC Radio Business Affairs
020 7765 3649 michael.davis@bbc.co.uk
Finance Partner, BBC Core Finance
020 7765 389 darren.bodek@bbc.co.uk
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