The BBC has opened a quick-turnaround commissioning round for eight radio programmes across 1Xtra, Radio 2 and 6 Music.
It follows the handing back of contracts from production company Somethin’ Else, which, according to a report in Deadline, were no longer viable.
The Hollywood entertainment site says it understands Somethin’ Else has notified the BBC of its plans to stop making programmes, such as Liza Tarbuck’s BBC Radio 2 show, amid concerns over diminishing commercial returns.
The shows now available via the BBC Commissioning website include:
1Xtra
- Alternative Selection with CassKidd
- Destination Africa with DJ EduBundle
- Dancehall Show with Seani B
- R’n’B Show with Ace
BBC Radio 2
- Sounds of the 90s with Fearne Cotton
- he Angela Griffin Sunday Night Show
- The Trevor Nelson Show
6 Music
- Gilles Peterson Saturday Show
Commenting on X, Matt Deegan says the situation is discussed on this week’s Media Podcast and states that if anyone fancies making the Trevor Nelson live show for Radio 2, there are 200 episodes a year with a fee of £800 per programme.
Somethin’ Else, which is now owned by Sony, has been one of the BBC’s major programme makers since it was formed in 1991. Sony Music Entertainment acquired the company in 2021.
No official comment has been made by either party, but AudioUK, the independent body for audio producers, told RadioToday: “We welcome that these shows are being put out to tender, to ensure creative competition.”
The BBC wants 500 word submissions by October 23rd with pitching between 1st and 13th of November.