More northern commissions for BBC radio

The BBC has announced a second year of its ‘Creative Kicker’ funding to commission work for 5 Live from independent producers in the North of England.

The £60,000 pot – an 50% increase from last year – will also be used for one-off commissions for other network stations Radios 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The investment comes from BBC North to support the indie sector in the North West, North East and Yorkshire. Peter Salmon, Director of BBC North, said: “Our initial investment helped to create new and long-term relationships with radio indies across the North of England which resulted in some original and moving radio programmes. I am confident that our new investment will strengthen these relationships and result in even more exciting and thought-provoking programmes for our listeners.”

Last year’s Creative Kicker fund paid for seven programmes on 5 Live which aired between last October and this summer. They included a drama about Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal, a topical sports comedy show and documentaries about issues ranging from the lack of black football managers in Britain to the stories of lottery winners. Last year’s seven commissions went to Made in Manchester, Savvy Productions, Input Media North, Pearl Works Prodcutions, Soundscape Productions, Jo Meek and Blakeway North.

Speaking to an audience of northern independent producers, Jonathan Wall, Deputy Controller, BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “I was really impressed with the creativity and quality of the commissions that northern indies came up with for 5 Live in the last round and I’m delighted to see the other national radio networks on board. There’s a big pool of talent here and the commissioning fund can tap into and realise that on air.”