Commissioning Brief No.: 20217 BBC Radio 2'S Golden Hour Talent

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Commissioning Brief

Commissioning Brief No.: 20217 BBC Radio 2’s Golden Hour Talent: Tony Blackburn From November/December 2020 BBC Radio Popular Music Network - CONFIDENTIAL

CONTENTS

SECTION A: EDITORIAL OPPORTUNITY ...... 3 1. The Opportunity ...... 4 2. Editorial Strategy ...... 4 3. Editorial Objectives ...... 5 4. Music Policy ...... 5 5. Key Deliverables ...... 5 6. Success Measures ...... 5 7. Social Media / Digital / Extra deliverables ...... 5 8. Risk Management ...... 6 9. Additional Information / Requirements ...... 6

SECTION B: PROCESS, ASSEMENT, EVALUATION ...... 7 1. The Four Stages ...... 7 2. Assessment Criteria ...... 8 3. The Evaluation Team ...... 9

SECTION C: THE COMMISSIONING TIMETABLE ...... 10

SECTION D: 500 WORD PROPOSALS ...... 11 1. What We Need From You ...... 11 2. What To Expect From Us ...... 12 3. Important Points to Note ...... 14

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SECTION A: EDITORIAL OPPORTUNITY Commissioning Brief : 20217 – The Golden Hour

Commissioning Owner Robert Gallacher

Commissioning Contact Robert Gallacher Robert.Gallacher@bbc.co.uk

Commissioning Brief Title Golden Hour

Network Radio 2

Guide Price £750 - ‘Guide Price’ does not include presenter fees, which will be paid directly by Radio 2.

Genre Music

Duration One year with two separate options for the BBC to renew for a further year on the same terms after both the first and second years (1+1+1)

No. of Episodes 49 per year

Transmission Period From November/December 2020

Slot Day Friday

Slot Time 1900 - 2000

Production Location London

Important Notes: • All proposals must be submitted via Proteus – however due to the straightforward nature of this one hour show, we only require interested suppliers, (including the incumbent), to submit a medium 500 word proposal by midday on Thursday 27th August. • There will be no Short Proposal/Production Questionaire stage to this tender. • Successful suppliers will invited to an informal meeting with a small group of the Commissioners on Zoom, to discuss their 500 word proposal – not all of those who submit a proposal will be invited to a Commissioning meeting. • Producers are not permitted to contact on-air talent - any producer found to be in breach of this will be excluded from the commissioning process. • 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 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:

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4fC4NcVXqkZntJv8ZHpClD8/pitching- ideas

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

BBC Radio 2

BBC Radio 2 is a distinctive, mixed music and speech network, broadcasting to a broad audience which aims to appeal to all age groups over 35. The network offers entertaining, popular and specialist music programmes alongside speech-based content - including news, current affairs, documentaries, religion, arts and social action.

The station boasts an award winning team of top name presenters including Zoe Ball, Steve Wright, Sara Cox, Trevor Nelson, Graham Norton, Jeremy Vine, Ken Bruce, Paul O’Grady, Dermot O’Leary, Elaine Paige, Craig Charles, Claudia Winkleman and Tony Blackburn.

Network Strategy The network is aiming to grow reach and listening hours amongst the 35-54s, whilst retaining its already very broad audience appeal. Radio 2 will deliver great content to listen to, look at, and share, across all platforms, to drive digital take-up across social platforms and BBC Sounds, and will present the broadest mix of popular and specialist music hosted and curated by the nation’s best loved musical experts. We will place distinctive programming at the heart of the schedule, reflecting the diversity of the UK, whilst maintaining our reputation as the home of the biggest entertainment stars.

1. The Opportunity

Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour: Fridays, 1900-2000 The self-proclaimed ‘fastest hour on the radio’ this is a show that celebrates the arrival of the weekend, picking up on the positive, upbeat vibes established by Serious Jockin’ and All Request Friday.

2. Editorial Strategy

This show is packed full of huge mainstream hits spanning all eras of music. Speech is bright, companionable and breezy but kept to a minimum: the music does the talking here. This is not the place for ‘digging in the crates’ or showcasing rarities – big tunes are very much the order of the day. Occasionally we may TX a specially themed Golden Hour to tie in with a specific anniversary, or to support a particular network initiative – this would be planned and discussed in advance with the Network.

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3. Editorial Objectives

• To keep the celebratory weekend vibe going for the live listener • To provide a broad mix of mainstream music hits from all eras • To support specific anniversaries or particular Network initiatives where appropriate • To drive the audience to BBC Sounds to listen again or explore similar offerings (SOT60s/70s/80s/90s/POTP)

4. Music Policy

The Golden Hour should reflect the musical tastes of the show’s curator with a range of well- known chart and turntable hits from across all eras and many of the genres covered by Radio 2. These should be mixed with a few less familiar tracks to highlight the difference in Radio 2’s musical approach from other radio stations.

5. Key Deliverables

• A specific talk up of BBC Sounds each week. • A talk up of Sounds of the 60s, pointing to both the linear TX and the on demand opportunity. • A themed show when required to support network initiatives or to mark particular anniversaries.

6. Success Measures

• To sustain the average AI of the programme above 85. • To grow the 35-54 appeal of the programme through music selection • To increase and sustain RAJAR to 800k reach • To increase on demand listening to the programme via BBC Sounds • To talk up other similar properties for on demand listening in BBC Sounds (SOT60s/70s/80s/90s/POTP)

7. Social Media / Digital / Extra deliverables

• Accurate and compelling episode titles and descriptions ahead of TX, when programme content is confirmed; and updated post-TX where appropriate. • Track-listings updated online as soon as practicable. • As this show aims to be primarily a dynamic live listen there are no additional social or visual deliverables for this tender.

Members of production team should undertake editorial data and photography training where required by the BBC.

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8. Risk Management

If you are successful and called to talk to the Network about this commission, you should talk through a transition plan and an explanation of how you will manage the transition from the current production of the programme, with minimum disruption.

9. Additional Information / Requirements • The ‘Guide Price’ does not include presenter fees, which will be paid directly by Radio 2. • The contract will be offered as a “fixed price” deal and the BBC will assume that any elements included in proposals can be successfully delivered within the guide price given. • Production teams will be expected to adhere to all relevant editorial and copyright guidelines in place; and deliver all necessary production related paperwork in a timely fashion – e.g. Compliance Forms, Music Reporting. • We expect these shows will be broadcast live. • Access to all necessary broadcast production systems, as well as studios to enable the broadcast/recording of the show (including an hour of pre and post show preparation time where possible), will be made available in Wogan House, London, at no cost to the successful supplier throughout the contract. • Where appropriate, we would also want the production team to creatively deliver the Network’s wider weekly and monthly editorial messages; and to attend relevant Editorial meetings (either in person in London, or via video conferencing).

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.

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SECTION B: PROCESS, ASSEMENT, EVALUATION 1. The Four Stages

Stage 1: Proposal

Step 1: Producers should provide a 500 Word Proposal, via Proteus, responding to this commissioning brief, which includes all the elements outlined in Section D (“500 Word Proposals”). For guidance, your Proposal should not exceed 500 words.

Stage 2: Conversation

Step 1: You may be invited to a conversation with the evaluation team on Zoom. 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. You will not be required to use a PowerPoint presentation, or video content.

Step 2: Following the conversation, the evaluation team will re-evaluate your 500 Word Proposal against the assessment criteria outlined on page 8, taking into account the responses given during the conversation, and any additional material requested. The evaluation team may then decide to award the contract to the producer(s) which best meets the assessment criteria; 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: Or we may decide to hold second interviews, for example, in the event where we need more information to be able to differentiate between proposals.

Stage 3: Contract Signed

Stage 4: Feedback If 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 Robert Gallacher. Feedback will be provided within two weeks of receiving the request.

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2. Assessment Criteria We will assess your Full Proposal and pitch 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 Weighting

Editorial proposal and capability: 75% Key Indicators: • Editorial fit: fit of editorial proposal to overall Network Strategy and Music Policy as well as ways to support delivery of BBC Radio’s vision and objectives • Appropriate Knowledge: a keen understanding of a broad spectrum of popular culture, music and entertainment • Format: format and structure of the programme • Innovation and freshness: ability to innovate and evolve the programme in line with audience habits in order to attract and reach new audiences • Production team track record: proposed production team’s track record in producing recent and relevant music programmes of high quality • Collaboration and relationship: ability to work collaboratively with other production teams and suppliers • Creative challenge: Response to specific creative and editorial challenges set out in brief Other Indicators: • Diversity: diversity and inclusion (on-air/off-air), i.e. ability to attract a diverse range of people • Digital: ability to innovate across digital platforms in order to engage audiences e.g. via social media, interactive content and BBC Sounds.

• Talent management: ability to manage and develop high profile on-air talent

Value for money: 10% • Budget: financial plan, including a full budget breakdown and showing production and overhead costs • Price: confirmation that the price per episode is in line with the brief • Efficiency: efficiency of the production process, ability to deliver additional value to the BBC • Contract terms: acceptance of key contract terms (including compliance with all applicable UK law)

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Risk: 15% • Production: the ability to produce shows of large scale and volume with a consistent and experienced production team • Business continuity: : adequacy and robustness of business continuity plans; ability to continue the production in case of business disruption • BBC reputation: the ability to produce a compliant programme which poses limited/ no risk to the reputation of the BBC • Conflict of interest: confirmation that there are no risks to the BBC reputation • Legislation and policy: the ability to comply with all relevant UK legislation and BBC policies (not limited to editorial policies)

3. The Evaluation Team The following people may be involved in evaluating your proposal at various stages:

Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2 Jeff Smith, Head of Music, BBC Radio 2 Robert Gallacher, Commissioning Editor, BBC Radio Pop Networks Julian Grundy, Commissioning & Scheduling Manager, BBC Radio 2 Joe Harland, Head of Visual Radio, Digital and Social, Pop Networks Mark Waring, Senior Rights and Business Affairs Manager Raluca Albu, Senior Procurement Manager

Subject matter experts (e.g. production experts, visual 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 C: THE COMMISSIONING TIMETABLE The commissioning process for this brief consists of a number of stages, as set out in the timetable below:

STAGE TIMINGS (all Midday) ACTIVITIES Launch Monday 1st June Publication of commissioning brief titles

1. Full Proposal Tuesday 9th June Publication of commissioning brief documentation and round opens in Proteus

Thursday 27th Deadline for submission, via Proteus, of 500 Word August Proposal

3. Interview/ Pitch w/c 7th September All producers shortlisted will be invited to attend a meeting via Zoom. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE AVAILABLE FOR PITCHING FOR THIS WEEK – PITCHES WILL NOT TAKE PLACE AT ANY OTHER TIME. th 4. Commission w/c 14 Either: Commission award decision made, decisions made September commissioning specification completed and and contracts contract issued. signed Or: Producers invited to second interviews. Nov/Dec 2020 Agreement of all programme related deliverables and technical specifications (for further information on Radio 2 requirements, please see the BBC’s commissioning website). Full contract signed.

nd 5. Feedback By 2 October Shortlisted producers may request feedback.

We will assess your proposal according to this timetable. Late submissions cannot be accepted.

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SECTION D: 500 WORD PROPOSALS 1. What We Need From You Your Proposal must be entered into the main ‘Synopsis’ section in Proteus by noon on Thursday 27th August; late submissions cannot be accepted. It should adopt the structure below and, for guidance, should not in total exceed 500 words when printed using Arial font, size 11.

Part 1 – Your 500 Word 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) The planned location for the production team who will produce the show should you be successful. (iii) 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. (iv) 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 partner o details of the responsibilities of each partner 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). (v) 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. And all details should be included in a template as below: Production Costs Daily Rate Days/Week Total Executive Producer £0.00 Producer £0.00 Assistant Producer £0.00 Production Manager £0.00 Total: £0.00 Overheads @ % Production fees @ % Grand Total – ex VAT £0.00

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(vi) 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. Suppliers are encouraged to seek expert advice on this before submitting proposals.

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 500 Word Proposal, please ensure you email them to either [email protected] or [email protected] by 21st August at the latest.

2. What To Expect From Us

Nominated Representative The BBC’s nominated representative for this commissioning brief is Robert Gallacher. No individual other than the BBC’s nominated representatives (or their 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.

Responses to your Questions In the interest of fair competition, where we feel it’s appropriate, anonymised questions and responses will be circulated to all producers.

Confidentiality Subject 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

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Proposal, provided that you have identified the confidential nature of any such information in your response documents.

Freedom Of Information Act As 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.

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

A Fixed Price Deal The contract will be offered as a “fixed price” deal; with you being responsible for any overspend and entitled to keep any underspend.

Contract Duration For Strands One year, with options for the BBC to renew for a further year on the same terms after both the first and second years. We reserve the right to vary the start date of the contract as may be required to take into account the successful producer’s transition plan and any related issues identified. In assessing the proposed transition plan, the BBC’s relationship with the audience will be paramount.

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3. Important Points to Note

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.

All Proposals should be submitted using Proteus by noon on Thursday 27th August. 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. 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 wishing to submit a proposal under this brief are not permitted to contact BBC production staff, seeking information about the programme, during the commissioning period without prior consent from the commissioner. Producers are not permitted to contact on-air talent, unless shortlisted, and with 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.

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

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