BBC ALBA COMMISSIONING ROUND: AUTUMN 2025

BBC ALBA aims to deliver content to Gaelic viewers that is rooted, relevant and relateable. At the same time we are ambitious and outward-looking, determined to celebrate our language and culture on a world stage.

We are seeking proposals for bold factual programmes that can win a wide audience, as well as creative ideas that can achieve critical recognition for the channel.

• We are looking for high-impact factual content. Programmes with compelling characters and contemporary issue-led stories are particularly welcome.
• We will consider returning factual entertainment series that have performed well with audiences.
• We also welcome high-impact content aimed at a younger audience, 18-35.
• In this round we are not prioritising general historical subjects – although we will consider sports stories that have a recent historical dimension; or stories that have a clear contemporary resonance, an innovative approach, or expressions of interest from other broadcasters.
• We are not looking for proposals that are essentially music performances with a factual wraparound. However, we will consider in-depth, narrative-led music documentaries.
• Although co-funding isn’t essential, we are keen to see proposals which already have other funders/broadcasters attached

• This round is primarily for content delivering into the 2026 linear schedule, iPlayer and BBC ALBA YouTube.
• We’re looking for distinctive, eye-catching peak-time content for the 9pm slot on the linear schedule – but which will also make an eye-catching impact on iPlayer.
• iPlayer-first and BBC ALBA YouTube series ideas are welcome. At the heart of iPlayer and YouTube proposals should be a compelling format that will hook viewers from the get-go. Episodes should be fast-paced, bold and colourful with bags of wit and attitude with a clear storytelling and visual style for digital first content.

• We will consider single programmes and short series in factual.
• We can take a flexible approach to durations .
• We will consider ambitious feature-length single documentaries that have a cinematic/festival life cycle before appearing on linear TV.  Feature documentaries should have co-funding attached or a credible co-funding finance plan in place.

Priority will be given to ideas that take into consideration further funding such as, but not limited to:

• Creative Scotland’s Broadcast Content Fund https://www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/targeted-funding/screen
• Tax reliefs (via BFI tax credits certification) https://www.bfi.org.uk/supporting-uk-film/british-certification-tax-relief

Proposals should be one or two pages (max) and must include:

• Title. This should be short, snappy and searchable – a few memorable words that instantly sum up the programme for viewers scrolling through iPlayer. Please provide a Gaelic and English version.
• The number of programmes and their duration.
• Target audience. What demographic is the programme aimed at?
• Programme price. Cost per programme and/or for the full series (as appropriate).
• The programme idea in a nutshell.
• A summary of the story with detail of the key on-screen people (including a taster reel), the creative approach and visual style. If you’re pitching a multi-parter tell us what makes it hooky and why the audience will want to return for more.
• Provide detail on what access to subjects and stories you’ve secured. This must be based on actual conversations – not speculation.
• Mock-up of an iPlayer thumbnail. A visual and graphic representation of the content; how will it catch the viewer’s eye and encourage them to watch?
• Two or three strong supporting images.
• Key production talent.
• Digital media. What are the digital and social plans for this idea? Please add a short synopsis of digital assets, from reels to short clips, that will enhance the linear content and can be used as standalone content as well as generating interest in the linear programme.
• Marketing hooks and opportunities.

Please ensure that all these elements are included in your proposal.

We welcome taster reels although they’re not essential. However, if new talent is involved an audition reel is crucial.

Please do not attach talent names to your submissions unless they have been approached and expressed interest.

Deadline for ideas: Monday 29th September, 5pm

Once all the submissions have been received the Commissioning Team will discuss them in detail and shortlist what we consider to be the most compelling and suitable ideas for this round.

We will then arrange to meet with Producers to discuss the shortlisted projects. This will be an opportunity to explore the ideas in greater depth.

We plan to meet with Producers either in person at Pacific Quay in Glasgow or online on the 9^th / 10^th October and the 20^th / 21^st October.

Following these meetings we aim to share commissioning decisions on the 31^st October.

Submissions and any questions on anything contained in this Commissioning Round should be addressed to Claire MacDonald and Jennifer MacKenzie at: bbcalbacommissioning@bbc.co.uk