Radio 4 Starving Indies?

Independent production companies have suggested that BBC Radio 4’s new commissioning policy is ‘starving’ the indies of programme slots. Under the changes to the system it is believed that the commissioning process will see more programming issued to fewer companies.

Currently Radio 4 hires production companies on a programme by programme basis. However the new plans will see content contracts given to its preferred indies (around 100 currently) on a two-year basis which will see the companies produce a number of programmes each. The exact amount per company has yet to be decided.

The first slot on BBC Radio 4 to see these changes introduced is their ‘Afternoon Play’ segment, which airs around 40 shows per year.

Producers at indies have aired their distaste for the changes, with some suggesting that it is a sly way of cutting down the number of companies that supply programming to the BBC Radio 4 schedules.

The BBC however disagree. Speaking to Broadcast Network manager Denis Nowlan said: “We are absolutely committed to preserving plurality of supply. Inevitably the number of suppliers winning business will reduce in this process but the companies winning business will not necessarily be the big suppliers. Our priority will be to commission the best ideas.

The BBC suggest the changes will see better value for money and a tighter, improved, editorial focus for programming.