BBC Commissioning has released tender details of the new all-local radio evening programme, which is set to start on January 7th 2013.
The speech-led show, to be broadcast on all 39 local radio stations in England, will air from 7pm till 10pm.
Applications are invited from all independent production companies who can clearly demonstrate relevant experience and expertise, the BBC says. All offers should reach them by 12 noon on August 23rd 2012, with decisions made by September 14th. The winning proposal will then just over three months to arrange the new show.
The contract on offer will be for an initial 12 month period, with an option to extend by up to a further 24 months by mutual agreement and will be worth around £150,000. The presenter or presenters will be paid separately by the BBC.
This programme forms part of the outcome of the Delivering Quality First process and follows the review of the BBC Local Radio service licence carried out by the BBC Trust. It will reach 17.4 per cent of adults (7.3m), the majority of which is over 50 years old.
Local Radio stations will still opt-out for major local breaking news stories, and scheduled sports coverage.
