BBC7 launches bid for original content

Published Tuesday 12 February 2008 at 15:40 by Matthew Hemley

Independent radio drama producers have been given a boost after archive-led BBC7 announced it will start commissioning a fixed amount of original content from the industry for the first time.

The station, which primarily broadcasts shows from the BBC’s back catalogue, is understood to be on the hunt for new dramatic readings of contemporary and classic crime and thriller novels that can be made independently and be split into five-part series.

Although only committing to commissioning around five hours of original content from the independent sector in the first instance, the move has been welcomed by radio producers who claim it is “long overdue”.

It is particularly welcome at a time when other BBC stations are being forced to cut back in some areas, particularly drama, in a bid to make savings outlined by director general Mark Thompson.

Independent radio producers are hopeful the amount of commissioned hours on offer from BBC7 will be increased over the years and also claim the decision will open up more opportunities for actors, writers, directors and adapters.

Neil Gardner, chairman of trade body the Radio Independents Group, said: “We look forward to working closely with the station to continue this trend of making stronger use of independent producers. It is long overdue and we are grateful for any moves they make to work with us.”

The five hours being offered exclusively to independent radio producers is roughly 10% of the 35 hours of original programmes that BBC7 currently has in its schedule.

Most of these new programmes are made in-house or by television production companies who can make complementary radio productions of shows already on television.

BBC7’s new plans mark the first time the station has guaranteed to reserve an amount of hours specifically for independent radio producers and Gardner said the trade body wanted to work with BBC7 to make sure there are “more opportunities that are not restricted to 10%” and to ensure that budgets available to producers are realistic.

A BBC spokesman confirmed around five hours of content will be offered to independent radio production companies from this year, but did not specify for which genres commissions will be sought.