BBC opens Eurovision Song Contest production tender process

The BBC has published the invitation to tender for production duties on the Eurovision Song Contest for two years from May 2026.

The competition was one of a number of shows, including Blue Peter and Sports Personality of the Year, that the corporation announced would be put out to competitive tender at the turn of the year as “part of our Charter commitment to open up more of our content to competition” and secure “the very best programmes and value for audiences”

According to the details published on the BBC commissioning site today, the tender is only open to producers based outside of London: “This opportunity is open to all producers who fulfil the eligibility criteria outlined in the tender document. The production must qualify as Nations or English Regions (out of London) as per Ofcom criteria,” the document said.

Somewhat optimistically, the Beeb added that “In the event that the UK wins the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) during the life of this tender” it will run a separate tender to select the producer of the global ESC event.

It added: “If you wish to be considered for the Global ESC event tender then please let us know as part of your eligibility response for the UK Coverage tender (this ITT).”

In the, surely unlikely, event that any production companies are betting hard on a UK win and want to bid for the global production gig alone, that option also exists: “If you are not interested in the UK Coverage tender (this ITT) but would still like to be considered for the Global ESC event tender then email us (subject line: your company name – eligibility for Global ESC event) no later than close of play on Tuesday 12 March 2024. We will then invite you to the eligibility process for the Global ESC event tender.”