Music Radio
Our distinctive live music networks, and our content on BBC Sounds, bring audiences closer to the artists and genres they love, and allow them to discover new to them; music, artists and events. My teams across pop and classical are always open to hearing about brilliant ideas and working with people who are passionate about creating impactful, creative music audio.
What we are looking for
BBC Music, led by Director of Music Lorna Clarke, brings together the BBC’s network radio’s pop music stations, Radio 3, the Orchestras & Performing Groups, the Proms and Pop Music TV into one music portfolio. BBC Music’s goal is to deliver impactful collaborative content which increases opportunities for audiences to listen, watch and engage.
In line with the BBC’s Value for All strategy, BBC Music’s strategic ambitions are to:
- Keep our music stations’ live shows strong
- Commission innovative new on-demand music programmes and formats for BBC Sounds, including music storytelling
- Deliver high-impact music moments across the BBC
Current Commissioning Opportunities
You can find any current music commissioning opportunities here.
Meet the Music Commissioners
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1
Aled sets the strategic direction of Radio 1 and is ultimately responsible for the brand across all platforms. He is looking for music and entertaining content that is relevant to a diverse 15–24-year-old audience across the UK
Robert Gallacher, Commissioning Editor, Pop - R1, 1X, R2
Robert oversees the commissioning process, the engagement with our supply base, and the commissioning rounds for the Pop Radio Networks, alongside some ad-hoc commissioning for Radio 2.Rachel McHalroy, Commissioning Executive, Radio 1
As Commissioning Executive for Radio 1, Rachel oversees the commissioning process tor tendered specialist music shows on the network and acts as the main daily point of contact to all commissioned production suppliers.
Dari Samuels, Head of BBC Radio 1Xtra
As Head of BBC Radio 1Xtra, Dari sets the strategic direction for the brand across all platforms. He is looking for fresh and daring content ideas that uncover, explore and celebrate Black music & culture.
Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2
Helen sets the strategic direction of Radio 2 and is ultimately responsible for the brand across all platforms. She is looking for bold, ambitious, creative ideas that will connect with multi-generational audiences over the age of 35 right across the UK to drive impact and digital engagement.”
Laura Busson, Commissioning Executive
Laura is the deputy head of BBC Radio 2, working with Helen Thomas to run the Network day to day. She leads on monthly and weekly Network priorities and creative conversations with Editors/Execs inspiring editorial ambition. Laura is a key member of Radio 2’s RCF team; writing briefs according to network requirements and audience research as well as attending pitches.
Sam Jackson, Head of BBC Radio 3
As Controller of Radio 3, Sam leads the strategy for classical music strategy across the BBC. He drives creative and managerial responsibility for the running of Radio 3 and the delivery of the annual BBC Proms (the world’s biggest classical music festival), making sure the network and the Proms remain at the forefront of cultural life in the UK and across the world.Jeremy Evans, Head of Content Commissioning
Jeremy oversees the commissioning of music programmes across Radio 3’s output. Programmes are commissioned to deliver a schedule that boasts the range, values and enduring qualities of Radio 3, whilst at the same time reaching new audiences in a digital age.
Sam Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music
As Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, Sam is responsible for the strategic direction of the station and is ultimately responsible for the brand across all platforms. Sam is looking to commission content that appeals to 6 Music's wide audience and brings in new listeners
Ahmed Hussain, Head of Asian Network
Ahmed is ultimately responsible for the Asian Network brand across all platforms and sets the strategic direction of the station. Ahmed’s looking for bold, creative and ambitious ideas that connect with multi-generational British Asian audiences that truly celebrates and reflects South Asian culture in the UK
Will Wilkin, Commissioning Exec for Major On Demand Formats
The On Demand Team look after the On Demand content around the biggest artists, stories and moments in music. The team work across BBC Music’s brands to create maximum impact for the BBC with an artist across all our platforms. They commission popular music podcasts like ‘Sidetracked with Annie & Nick’, The Rise and Fall…The ERAs podcasts, collaborating closely with artists, labels and estates to tell captivating and authentic stories in a way only the BBC can. Successful commissions will fit into one of the existing story telling strands, have a broad appeal and the ability to reach out to new listeners, who are light users of BBC Music. Ideas hosted by well-known talent will be welcome, likewise ideas that makes the best use of the BBC’s archive, artist access and events.
Philip Raperport, Commissioning Executive BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds
Philip oversees the strategy and commissioning for Radio 3 Unwind and classical On Demand formats including music shows and podcasts. His focus is developing content that expands the audience for classical music, supporting Radio 3 and BBC Proms programming and ensuring BBC Sounds is a valued and distinctive platform for music discovery in the UK.
Further Commissioning Information
How we commission
Details of the Audio Commissioning Framework
Becoming a supplier
How to become a supplier to BBC Radio & Sounds
Pitching ideas
How to pitch an idea for BBC Radio & Sounds
Production & Delivery
Resources for production and delivery
Diversity & Inclusion
Information regarding Diversity & Inclusion
Sustainability
Information regarding Sustainability
Indie Development Fund
Information regarding the Indie Development Fund
Programme Week Calendar
15-month programme calendar: Jan 26 - March 27
