The BBC is extending an invite for independent producers to connect with young audiences through CBeebies and CBBC.
- The contract, valued up to £1.8 million annually over two years, focuses on content production outside of London.
- Producers are required to deliver numerous content pieces, ensuring continuity and familiarity for the audience.
- Incorporating virtual reality elements is a possibility, but the tone and feel should remain consistent.
- The winning producer will be announced in February 2025 as part of a broader competition initiative.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has opened a significant opportunity for independent producers by inviting them to produce programming content for CBeebies and CBBC. Valued up to £1.8 million per year, the contract spans two years and is crucial for the development of engaging content aimed at younger audiences. This opportunity mandates that applicants must operate from a location outside of London, reinforcing the move to diversify production bases across the UK.
Starting from May 2025, the selected producers will commence their work at MediaCity’s dock10 studio for the first year. This arrangement underscores the commitment to using established facilities while embracing new creative inputs. The deliverables for this contract are extensive, requiring 1,440 one-minute links a year for CBeebies, 420 one-minute links a year for CBBC, plus dedicated content for CBeebies House Specials and digital platforms. Altogether, these responsibilities highlight the BBC’s effort to maintain and grow its reach in children’s broadcasting.
The focus for the BBC remains on retaining the current presenter line-up, which will provide consistency and reassurance for the audience. Additionally, while there is potential for hybrid virtual reality presentations, the BBC emphasizes the importance of keeping the current tone, look, and feel that resonate with viewers.
The competitive process to select the independent producer is part of the BBC’s Charter Agreement, which aims to increase competition by outsourcing more program production. Notably, the BBC has confirmed that Blue Peter, another well-regarded children’s programme, will continue to be produced by BBC Studios, illustrating the ongoing effort to balance internal and external production capabilities. By February 2025, the BBC anticipates announcing the independent producer who will undertake this exciting venture into children’s programming. This time frame allows ample preparation for the seamless integration of new production elements while sustaining viewer engagement.
The BBC’s strategic move emphasizes its commitment to innovation and consistency in children’s programming.
