The BBC relies upon the UK’s digital media indie sector to help build and maintain the quality of our online services. At least twice a year we invite a number of digital suppliers and industry representatives to a series of presentations and updates about our development strategy for BBC Online. The first of this year’s briefings is taking place tomorrow at MediaCity UK, Salford.
Now that so many of our teams working on audience-facing products are based out of London, it’s a great opportunity to meet with suppliers from around the country, particularly those based here in the northwest. We’re also looking forward to welcoming many of the agencies that are new to the BBC’s Digital Services Framework II, which I blogged about a few weeks ago.
In fact, this year we’re focussing the industry briefings on those suppliers who are new to the BBC and gearing up to win their first project from us. By way of introduction we’ll be covering a range of topics, from how changes in audience behaviours are leading us to rethink what we offer to our users; through to working with our technology stack at close quarters (“Best practice in API management, anyone?”).
BBC Online Briefing host Robin Cramp at a recent Connected Studio event
There will be a look at how our Global Experience Language is evolving in response to the challenge of an “internet-first” BBC; as well as sidebars on developing digital creativity for children; how best to respond to a Request for Quotation (RFQ); and some thoughts about BBC Three’s proposed journey from linear to online “broadcasting”.
We’ll bring things together with a walkthrough on how we’re currently bringing digital creativity and innovation to audiences via updates from BBC R&D‘s Connected Studio and Digital Production.
The majority of sessions will be filmed and made available here on the Internet Blog at a later date. I’m also pleased to say that the same series of presentations will be provided in another industry briefing to be held in London in early July.
We’re looking forward to meeting as many suppliers as possible, however both events are now fully booked. If you’re a digital supplier but not already registered with us please visit the Online section of BBC Commissioning for further information on how we work and what we’re looking for.
Richard Smith is Head of Market Engagement, Distribution & Business Development, BBC Digital.
