Technical specification
You will need
intelligible speech
free from distortion, noise, ‘phasing’ and other spurious artefacts
dynamic range in keeping with the network
freedom from gross compression and limiting
stereo material to be compatible with mono listening
Quick Guide
Audio files must be delivered in the RIFF/WAV format (.wav). For programme material delivered for broadcast, the audio format for the file will be: Linear PCM, 48 kHz, 16 bit (or greater, by prior agreement).
As far as possible record your source material in good quality linear formats, not in compressed (bit reduced) formats
Edit, eq and mix the material to give a smooth and consistent listening experience that’s in keeping with the network style
Peaks should not exceed -1dBTP
Programme levels should comply with EBU R128 integrated loudness should be -23 LUFS (The legacy specification of "peaking to PPM6" is being phased out)
The dynamic range should be appropriate to the content and the network
Submit the completed file (for pre-records) as a 48k, 16bit wav or BWav file (FLAC is also acceptable)
When publishing podcast audio with iBroadcast, programmes over 15 minutes should be given a timecode marker at an editorially appropriate mid-point 35% - 65% of the way through each episode [insert link to right page of Sounds support]
See the full BBC Radio technical requirements here: technicalspecificationradiojuly2022_v01.7.pdf
For visualised audio, see here: Technical requirements
File delivery
Delivery requirements differ depending on the commissioning network.
Producers should be informed of the required delivery date at the point of commission.
Independent producers without access to a BBC laptop/DIRA need to submit files via the relevant BBC file transfer system. This will be confirmed by the Commissioning Network at point of commission but is usually Mediashuttle.
Production teams with access to DIRA - in-house or independent - can deliver audio direct for playout or they can deliver via the VCS Ingester (which automatically ingests audio).
To request a Mediashuttle account or access to VCS Ingester, please contact:
R4 - peter.luff@bbc.co.uk
Music on-demand – your commissioning contact will arrange for you.
- 5Live use Dropbox for the file delivery. Please contact dan.mcevoy@bbc.co.uk for more information.
File naming convention
Network | Naming convention | Additional notes |
Radio 4 | The file name must include the Network, Programme Title and transmission date e.g. “R4 Programme Name DDMMYY.wav” | If you are delivering multiple episodes of the same series, please include the episode number e.g. “R4 New Programme Ep3 DDMMYY.wav” |
Radio 3 | “Programme Name DDMMYY.wav” | “New Programme Ep3 DDMMYY.wav” |
Pop | The file name must include the Programme Title, first transmission date, repeat data and part number e.g. “Programme Name_Initial 1st TX Date_RTX(Repeat Date)_PartXofX” | If you are making a long run of programmes for R1 Dance, R1 Anthems or R3 Unwind which are likely to get multiple repeats over a long period, please also add an Episode Number. |
Music on-demand | "Programme Name_Episode No.wav | Any variation of this will be advised at the commission kick-off meeting |
Delivery deadlines
Standard deadline for delivery of non-topical, pre-recorded speech content is three weeks prior to transmission. Network-specifics are outlined below. Earlier delivery deadlines will be required ahead of Christmas and bank holiday periods.
Delivery of listening copies for compliance purposes may be earlier than this. This should be agreed in advance with your commissioning contact.
Network | Deadlines for pre-recorded, complied files, prior to transmission | Contact details if the required delivery date/timeframe cannot be met |
Radio 4 | Standard deadline is three weeks prior to transmission. ‘Week’ topical programmes must be delivered at least seven days before transmission. ‘On the day’ topical programmes must be delivered at least one hour before transmission. | |
5 Live | Topical, pre-recorded shows must be received by midday latest for all shows due to transmit between 1900 that day and 1900 the following day.
For shows transmitting at the weekend (including before 1900 Monday) must be received before midday on Friday at the very latest. | |
On Demand speech | Four weeks in advance of transmission. | Your dedicated commissioner contact |
Pop Music | Midday for all shows due to transmit between 1900 that day and 1900 the following day.
For shows transmitting at the weekend (including before 1900 Monday) must be received before midday on Friday. | |
Radio 3 | Three weeks in advance of transmission.
| |
On Demand music mixes | One week in advance of transmission. | Your dedicated commissioner contact |
