BBC Cymru Wales has announced a range of new programmes, commissioned during the lock-down period, for television, radio and online.
The announcement comes after the broadcaster set-out a package of support for the creative sector and called for independent production companies to submit new programme ideas.
Following the commissioning round independent companies will produce over 30 new programmes for BBC One Wales, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru to be broadcast before the end of September.
Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Wales, says: “The creative and innovative response to our call for programme ideas has been nothing short of remarkable, particularly at such a challenging time. We’re now seeing some of those ideas come to life on screen in a mix of entertaining and thought-provoking content.”
Colin Paterson, Editor BBC Radio Wales, said “This commissioning round saw a wonderful collection of ideas which mirrored the current mood for reflection and pausing for thought as well as light-hearted, funny scripts that will lift our spirits. Last weekend saw us broadcast the Machynlleth Comedy Festival and these new slate of programmes continue that theme of bringing the best of Wales to your radio.”
Rhuanedd Richards, Editor BBC Radio Cymru said: “Nearly one hundred ideas were submitted as part of this special commissioning round and we’re grateful to everyone who took part in a very competitive process. We’re excited to now be working with a host of independent companies on content, vital to our listeners during this uncertain times.”
As well as commissions, additional support for the sector from BBC Wales includes a fund to turbo-charge TV development projects such as drama and comedy with an eye on future schedules beyond 2020 and increased investment in BBC Wales archive content for BBC iPlayer by acquiring programming from partners in the sector.
BBC Wales has also committed to work closely with production companies on current projects which have been disrupted, to find supportive solutions wherever possible. This will include being flexible around delivery, and varying cash flow as appropriate on a title-by-title basis.
Key Points
• On BBC One Wales, Carol Vorderman will host a brand new four-part show every Thursday evening on BBC One Wales at 7.30pm. The Great Indoors will see Carol joined by a host of guests to steer viewers through the best and most uplifting stories in Wales. The production is a collaboration between a range of independent production companies including BBC Studios, Boom Cymru, Marmalade TV, One Tribe, Hall Of Mirrors, Darlun and Yeti.
• On Monday evening (BBC One Wales at 9pm) the spotlight will be firmly on the Royal Gwent Hospital and staff at the Critical Care Unit for Critical: Coronavirus in Intensive Care – a powerful documentary made by Folk Films and filmed entirely by NHS staff on mobile phones and small cameras, giving viewers rare access to the Intensive Care Unit.
• The hit TV comedy Tourist Trap will take to the airwaves for a one-off special Tourist Trap: The Stay at Home Radio Special on 22 June on BBC Radio Wales. Sally Phillips is joined by comedians Elis James, Mike Bubbins, Tudur Owen and Sarah Breese as once again WOW Wales, the ill-fated tourism agency takes on the quest to stop tourists visiting Wales. (Produced by The Comedy Unit)
• On 28 May, Hayley Pearce will be sitting down for a virtual cuppa with some of the older members of our society to learn how they’re coping with the extraordinary disruption to life as we know it. From not seeing family members and tightening the purse strings, the current crisis has knocked every generation for six. Hayley finds out what the older generation makes of it all. (Produced by Orchard for BBC Radio Wales)
• On BBC Radio Cymru, Dylan Ebenezer will host a new panel show, the Ynys yr Hunan-Ynyswyr (Island of Isolationists) as he invites two guests to compete for the luxury of staying on the island with him, based on their choice of books, music and films. (Produced by Rondo Media)
• In a first for Radio Cymru, Jon Gower will be inviting listeners to submit their ideas and create a crowd-produced daily novel in the style of a soap opera for our times, every day on the Aled Hughes programme. (Produced by Cwmni Unigryw).