RADIO COMMISSIONING Commissioning Brief Commissioning Brief No.: 10030 Radio 1’s Essential Mix From September 2021 BBC Radio Commissioning Brief – Popular Music Network CONTENTS SECTION A: EDITORIAL OPPORTUNITY ................................................................. 3 1. Network: Radio 1 ........................................................................................................ 4 2. The Opportunity .......................................................................................................... 4 3. Music Policy and Show Content .................................................................................. 4 4. Key Measurables ........................................................................................................ 5 5. Diversity and Inclusion ................................................................................................ 5 6. Key Deliverables ......................................................................................................... 5 7. Risk Management ....................................................................................................... 5 8. Additional Information / Requirements ........................................................................ 6 SECTION B: PROCCESS, ASSESSMENT, EVALUATION ....................................... 7 1. The Four Stages ......................................................................................................... 7 2. Assessment Criteria .................................................................................................... 8 3. Evaluation Team ......................................................................................................... 9 SECTION C: THE COMMISSIONING TIMETABLE ................................................. 10 SECTION D: FULL PROPOSALS AND REFERENCE INFORMATION ................... 11 APPENDIX 1: Strategic Priorities.............................................................................. 13 2 of 13 BBC Radio Commissioning Brief – Popular Music Network SECTION A: EDITORIAL OPPORTUNITY Commissioning Brief : 10030 – Radio 1’s Essential Mix Commissioning Owner Aled Haydn Jones Commissioning Contact Robert Gallacher [email protected] Rachel McHalroy [email protected] Commissioning Brief Title Radio 1’s Essential Mix Network Radio 1 Guide Price £875 - ‘Guide Price’ does not include presenter fees, which will be paid directly by the Network 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 50 eps per year Transmission Period From September 2021 Slot Day and Time Saturday 0000 – 0200 Production Location London Important Notes: • Suppliers should submit a Full Proposal via Proteus which should not exceed two sides of A4 when printed using Arial font, size 11. • These suppliers will also be invited to a Zoom pitch with the Commissioning Team, where they can use a power-point, but we request that they don’t play any video content. • Producers are not permitted to contact on-air talent, without prior approval of the commissioner. • 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 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: 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 3 of 13 BBC Radio Commissioning Brief – Popular Music Network difficulties caused by unforeseen network or transmission problems. No late submissions will be accepted 1. Network: Radio 1 About BBC Radio 1 is a youth music brand aimed at 15-24 year olds. Its focus is to entertain through music across several platforms. Our linear and on demand programmes and mixes showcase a wide range of new music genres and support emerging artists, in particular those from the UK; with over 60 hours a week dedicated to specialist music programming. Podcasts, news and other speech content discusses relevant topics for our young people providing information, companionship and a safe space for their voices and issues to be heard. Network Editorial Strategy & Objectives Radio 1 will continue to become the number one British radio brand for 15-24 year olds establishing itself at the centre of youth culture in the UK. The station plays a key part in reaching as many young diverse audiences for the BBC across the UK. The network’s primary focus is to grow habitual consumption of linear and on demand youth content in BBC Sounds by providing industry leading music programming and mixes with the curation and context from our world leading DJ’s and presenters which cannot be found elsewhere. Speech and entertainment content will focus on what is relevant to 15-24 years olds and should always contextualise older reference points. Success of the current strategy will rely on strategically using the full 360 of the Radio 1 brand across linear, on demand, visual and social to create specific content designed to match the mood and needs of young adults in the UK. Producers who are shortlisted should include any thoughts on how their specific programme can assist in delivering the strategy outlined. 2. The Opportunity Essential Mix Sat 0000 – 0200: Live simulcast on Radio 1 and Radio 1 Dance Radio 1’s Essential Mix is one of station’s biggest and most respected dance brands and with this commission we would like to continue to grow it’s iconic standing in the global dance community. Introduced by Pete Tong this exclusive weekly two-hour mix should feature the most exciting and legendary names across the dance music spectrum. 3. Music Policy and Show Content This is a music led commission with the focus of the show on the quality and exclusivity of the mix. Each week this two-hour uninterrupted mix should feature a different contemporary DJ / 4 of 13 BBC Radio Commissioning Brief – Popular Music Network Producer from across the dance genres. We would like to see ideas as to how we can continue the success of the brand, growing its consumption in BBC Sounds (over other platforms) and creating noise in the wider dance world. The producer will need to show they have strong contacts in the dance industry and an in- depth knowledge of established and up and coming DJ’s. We want to see suggestions of future guest bookings and hear creative ideas for possible stand out moments in the Radio 1 dance calendar. On occasion the supplier may be asked to broadcast specials for example live OBs or pre- records from major festivals, clubs or network led events such as Radio 1’s Dance Weekend. The producer will be expected to work closely with the Radio 1 Music and Live Events teams and advise on the editorial suitability of potential line-ups for such shows. 4. Key Measurables Live and on demand numbers in BBC Sounds to increase over the course of the contract. 5. Diversity and Inclusion At Radio 1 we want to reflect the diversity of the UK and are interested to hear your inclusive ideas and how they might be reflected by the content, the music, the guests and the presenter. You may also wish to consider how this show might contribute to the expanded 50:50 Diversity initiative. (More detail can be found in Appendix 1 at the end of this Brief). 6. Key Deliverables • To ensure the show in BBC Sounds looks enticing with accurate programme descriptions, artists photos, tracklistings and information for future episodes • To deliver additional content for BBC Sounds when required (for example programme clips / relatable content for R1 Dance) • We do not expect a social media proposition for this show; however, we would expect the artist in the mix to promote on their own socials. We also recognise that during key moments such as the specials outlined above, there is room for creative ideas to engage and interact with listeners and on demand consumption. • To collaboratively work with network departments and other suppliers across R1 to maximise strategic dance moments and wider station messages 7. Risk Management If you are successful and secure a pitch we would like you to 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. 5 of 13 BBC Radio Commissioning Brief – Popular Music Network 8. Additional Information / Requirements • The ‘Guide Price’ does not include presenter fees, which will be paid directly by Radio 1. • 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, Proteus. • Radio 1’s Essential Mix is a pre-recorded format; although occasional ad hoc OBs or pre- records from events, festivals or other BBC studios may also be required. Additional funding will be available for this. • Access to all necessary