BBC Home
Commissioning BBC Homepage » Commissioning BBC Vision Nations & Regions TV Other TV Services Audio & Music Who's Who Compliance Business Affairs Supplier Management Commissioning Radio 1 Radio 2 Radio 3 Radio 4 5 Live 6 Music Radio 7 1Xtra Interactive Asian Network World Service Proteus Technical Standards Local Radio Future Media Audience Info Contacts Questions
Asian Network Commissioning Writers Room Link Pronunciation Advice BBC Week Calendar Listen Here
Writers Room Link
Pronunciation Advice
BBC Week Calendar
Listen Here
Commissioning Team
Controller Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network
Andy Parfitt Andy Parfitt
Head of Asian Network
Vijay Sharama Vijay Sharama
Network Manager
Mike Curtis Mike Curtis
Commissioning Process
Our primary target are the British Asian communities throughout the UK, with due acknowledgement of their younger age demographic. But that is really just an indicator of our 'tone of voice'. We want anyone who is interested in British Asian music, culture, debate, or lifestyle to listen - regardless of their age or ethnicity. We're aware that we are targeting an incredibly diverse set of people, but our research shows that there are certain things they have in common.
Our programmes aim for an upbeat, young-at-heart tone. While there's plenty that is challenging about the lives of young British Asians, they value entertainment, positivity and fun in their media. 'Celebrate' is about music, film, and showbiz - but it is also about showcasing the best of British Asian culture and influence.
Young British Asians value the BBC, and the rigorous journalism on which its global reputation is built. They want us to tell it straight, and they don't like taboos or no-go areas. 'Challenge' is about high-quality journalism, surprising stories, and honest and open debate. It's also about difficult drama storylines and experimental new music.
We're talking to a predominantly urban audience, based in major cities across the UK. The Asian Network has a role to play in 'networking' virtual communities of listeners who share an interest in music, religion, culture, and lifestyle. Young British Asians are technologically-adept, highly brand-aware - and quick to interact on mobiles, red button TV, and online.
We recognise that family life is critical in British Asian life - and we aim to be a 'friend of the family'. We want to be bold, welcoming, spontaneous, engaging, 'national' and glamorous.
Our journalism is 'urban' - it shows real people in real lives, and features the sounds of the streets in which they live and work. Our music policy predominantly focuses around British Asian artists, but we also feature Bollywood/South Asian and Urban music, with a commitment to supporting new homegrown talent and live music. We're a highly interactive station, inviting and featuring the views of our listeners wherever we can.
The Asian Network has been evolving its output in line with the principles detailed above, and this financial year we will again be commissioning at least 10% of our eligible output from independents. When the next commissioning round opens, details will be made available here.
Programme proposals will have to be submitted through the RAP system, although you can email a paragraph to me about your idea to see if it's something we'd be interested in. Have a look at our website and the Business Affairs and Compliance pages.
Mike Curtis Network Manager , BBC Asian Network email: mike.curtis@bbc.co.uk
Page last updated 6 May 2009
Change Text Only Settings
Graphic version of this page