Commissioning opportunity: The One Show VTs from North East based producers

We would like to commission two suppliers with an existing substantive base in the North East to deliver three VTs each for BBC One’s The One Show, for inclusion on an ad hoc basis.

Each VT should be approximately four minutes 30 seconds and fulfil the editorial brief outlined below.

The programme must qualify as a regional production under Ofcom criteria. Therefore, in addition to existing substantive base, the programme must also meet the production spend and off-screen talent criteria. Applications are open to both qualifying and non-qualifying independent producers.

The tariff for the commissioned VTs will be £14,000 per film, contracted under the standard bespoke The One Show VT terms.

This has the potential to be a valuable development opportunity for small or newer TV producers to grow their Network production experience.

Editorial brief

We’re seeking informative and purposeful VTs with a clear takeaway for viewers.

A topical angle is desirable but not essential.

Ideas must have broad appeal and engage a wide range of audience demographics and age groups.

The tone should be warm, relatable, and inclusive, with contributors central to the storytelling.

Content should be positive and optimistic. Difficult subjects may be addressed, provided the approach offers reassurance or constructive outcomes (eg cautionary tales that help viewers protect themselves).

We’re open to suggestions for presenters, whether new or established, as well as presenter-less formats.

Submissions must demonstrate how diversity will be represented in its broadest sense, both on-screen and off-screen.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for this opportunity suppliers must:

• Have an existing substantive base in the North East to qualify as a regional production under Ofcom criteria (North of Tyne (North Tyneside, Newcastle, Northumberland), North East (South Tyneside, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland) and Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton, Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough)).
• Have relevant experience within the last five years in the production and delivery of factual content for a UK-facing broadcaster or streamer.

How to apply

Please submit the following information via BBC PiCoS to Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor BBC Daytime:

• Confirm and include location of the base in the North East
• Examples of experience within the last five years of producing short form or long form factual production and delivery to a UK facing delivery platform or broadcaster (please identify examples)
• Up to five editorial proposals, each max 200 words

Nb. There are no pre-conditions regarding prior engagement with the BBC or receipt of previous funding (eg Small Indie Fund or Production Management Development Funding etc).

Commissioning process

The evaluation team will review submissions against the eligibility criteria.

Subject to meeting the criteria, contract awards will then be based on the submitted editorial proposals.

The BBC will work collaboratively with successful bidders to agree the final three films commissioned, which may differ from the ideas originally submitted.

Unsuccessful suppliers will be notified as soon as practicable, and feedback may be requested following notification.

Evaluation team

• Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor, BBC Daytime, BBC Content
• Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor, BBC Daytime, BBC Content
• James Dundas, Business Affairs Manager, Commercial, Rights and Business Affairs

Timetable

This is an indicative timetable, and suppliers will be notified if there are any revisions.

• Brief published: 20 January 2026
• Submission deadline: midnight 3 March 2026
• Successful suppliers notified: Early to mid-March 2026