On 1Xtra, the majority of programmes - the core output - are long-running strands which are produced either by 1Xtra producers or a small group of Independent companies chosen through competitive tender when required.

Details of any upcoming Core Output to be tendered will be contained on this page.

The network also commissions weekly documentaries from a range of independent producers - usually through an annual commissioning round.

1Xtra Documentaries

1Xtra commissions weekly documentaries from a range of independent producers and also from our dedicated in-house production team. 1Xtra documentaries are normally broadcast on Wednesdays between 2pm and 4pm, although for special events or anniversaries this can change.

What We Want

Both the current AND potential listeners are united by two things - music and youth. We need ideas that reflect their lives and the things that matter to 16-24 year olds.

For contemporary music ideas you could listen to 1Xtra's specialist shows, read their message boards, and find out what's got their audiences talking. Spotting emerging music trends can be difficult as so many never get adopted by the wider national audience, but sometimes a new genre's future can merit some discussion before an idea is submitted.

For other ideas try and think about who the audience are. Try to picture that 23 year old white electrician, living in a place like Leicester. He's into 1Xtra and buys about six or seven albums a year - but music aside, what stories will he care about? Maybe you can discover what's interesting for the 19 year old Asian girl working at a hairdressers in Leeds - she's obsessed with getting the hottest clothes although she can't always afford it - what else interests her?

1Xtra listeners are normal people who could be students, in work or unemployed. Some are married, many have children, others are young, free and single. The vast majority are not earning much. However mobile phones, MP3 players, digital television and using computers are all part of their daily life, so ideas around these now ordinary items would need a fresh and unique twist. Whether it's the two examples given above or any other 'typical' 1Xtra listener have a think about their lifestyle, what things are a big part of their daily life and what matters to them?

There's more to making a documentary for 1Xtra than just producing a 25 minute piece for radio. We also require a pre-recorded trails, cues, completed compliance forms, etc. It's essential you know what's needed before submitting a proposal, please read the full details of how the documentary making process (Word format, 44KB) works, from commissioning to broadcast ( PDF alternative, 34KB ).

Proposals for 1Xtra should have something new to say about the issues that matter to our audience. We're looking to continue broadcasting powerful documentaries that get listeners talking. Music, relationships, Sport, drugs, health, crime, jobs and childcare are a just a few areas to consider. Documentaries with the biggest audience responses tend to feature ordinary voices the audience can identify with.

Good Documentary Examples

We've already made a lot of documentaries that did the job. Have a listen to:

Homegrown - a different approach to covering the debate on cannabis reclassification.

Street Diary - taking a close up look at youth crime.

Gay in JA: The Catch Up - a good follow up to the original 2004 documentary moves the story on.

Slam Dunkin' in the UK - following the GB basketball team on the road to the 2012 Olympics.

The Documentary Commissioning Process

The network operates an annual commissioning round for the production of documentaries. Full details of the kind of programming required, along with information on the audience, the content areas of particular interest and the timetable for the commissioning round are included in the Commissioning Brief document which is published here when a commissioning round opens. Proposals should include a short synopsis paragraph followed by a more detail explanation of the idea and treatment being proposed.

The commissioning process involves submission of proposals via RAP and then a shortlisting period where producers may be asked to discuss their idea further. Once the shortlisting period is complete and offers have been discussed, proposals will either be conditionally commissioned or rejected. Budgets for independent companies who receive conditional commissions are then negotiated with the Independents Production Team .

For all documentary proposals the Commissioning Brief sets out the delivery requirements necessary as well as information on the guide price and non-linear content needs.

Full information useful to prospective programme-makers (including information on underlying Rights, Health & Safety requirements and the BBC's complaints procedure) are set out on the Business Affairs page of this website and it is advisable to look this over before submitting a proposal.

The Next Documentary Commissioning Round

Details of the next commissioning round for documentaries will be published here when the round opens.

If you have any questions about 1Xtra Documentary commissions that are not answered by this page, you can contact:

Debbie Ramsay
Acting Commissioning Editor, 1Xtra Documentaries
email: debbie.ramsay@ BBC .co.uk

1Xtra Core Output

The commissioning process involves submission of proposals via RAP and then a shortlisting period where producers will be asked to pitch their idea to the Station's management team. The successful company will then be conditionally commissioned – subject to budget. Budgets for independent companies who receive conditional commissions are then negotiated with the Independents Production Team.

Station Sound

BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra undertake regular commissions of its Station Sound audio production and details of what production is being tendered will be published here.

Currently we are looking for audio production on the following:

BBC Radio 1 / 1Xtra FX Package
BBC Radio 1 Chart Show

Full details of the commissioning opportunity are now available here (PDF File, 58 Kb)

It is envisaged that the following opportunities will be offered over the next 12 months

February/March – for on air May

Production for the new sound of Radio 1 Big Weekend, R1 and 1X Summer sound, 1X Live

April – for on air July

Production for refresh of Radio 1 & 1Xtra Complete Imaging & Ident packaging to include News Imaging

Timetable TBC

Switch/Sunday Zone on R1

Full details will be provided at the time the commission opens. In the meantime Matt Fisher can be contacted for further information at matt.fisher@bbc.co.uk

Page last updated 21 October 2009

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