Independent producers will be told they need to be 'ambitious' in their thinking, when one of the BBC's radio bosses speaks at a conference next month.
The corporation will be setting out what kind of programme ideas they plan to finance from their 'radio innovation fund' at the RPIN 2011 UK Radio Production Conference at Salford Quays.
Audio and Music Group Manager Chris Burns is one of a number of speakers booked to appear at the event on March 22nd right opposite the BBC's new northern headquarters at MediaCityUK.
The BBC Trust recently insisted outside companies must be allowed to compete with in-house BBC departments for more programming contracts – and that means the innovation fund will be increasingly relevant to the UK’s growing independent radio production sector.
Founder of the UK Radio Production Conference Ashley Byrne says: "I'm delighted that the BBC will use this event to explain more about this important fund which I believe is designed to give producers an opportunity to innovate and create those cut through moments."
Ideas that in the past have been supported by the fund include The History of the World on Radio 4, Sing Hallelujah on Radio 3, The BBC Introducing Masterclass on Radio 1, Hull Fest on 5Live and The Comedy Awards for Radio 2.
Other speakers at this year's RPIN conference include the BBC's Director of Audio and Music Tim Davie, the BBC North Director Peter Salmon, plus representatives from from Radio 1, 5 Live and Irish state broadcaster RTE Radio.
Radio Today is proud to be a conference partner for the event and will be providing coverage from the event on the day. To find out more or book a place at the conference, visit the [link=http://www.eventelephant.com/rpin2011]RPIN2011 website[/link].