The Word Cloud

The BBC will accept unsolicited sketch scripts but has anyone have any experience of this?
Do you specify a show or do you let them decide?

Cheers.

I've submitted once or twice, never got anywhere though.
Actually, not strictly true now I think about it: one piece they declined, but asked to see other stuff I'd written. Which didn't get anywhere. But it made me happy at the time.

Generally you have to suggest the slot. All have slightly different requirements in terms of length, content, style, and if you don't comply absolutely, they won't even finish reading. Consider that they have five radio stations (is it?), and four TV stations, all broadcasting round the clock, with a myriad slots to fill from here to infinity; they're busy. You need to help them out by pointing at a suitable home for your work, really you do.

A better option might be to go for one of their 'opportunities' which are posted on their writers room website. These crop up regularly and call for particular things at particular times - sometimes even radio sketches.
Their website is a mine of useful information anyway - not only the 'opportunities', but the tips, who to submit to, how to submit, schedules, which shows are currently recruiting writers and material.
You can also view their script archive which is fascinating if you've seen/heard a particular episode of something - you can see how it panned out from page to screen/ear.

See here: www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom

Radio is one writing area that I believe is hungry for new work yet is so often overlooked. It's very cheap to make radio drama, and lots of slots for it.

Thanks CW.
Actually I'm always on the writers room, you're right, it is great. (perhaps I should have said, sorry.)
It's just that I have an idea for a short comedy/satire sketch but the programme(s) I think it would be suited to isn't running at the mo. Does that matter?
I have submitted a short story to one of the requests on opportunities, just waiting to hear.
One of my things to do this year is write for radio and you are right, the script section is great.

Oh. OK then.
As for whether it matters if the programme is running or not - depends on whether you know/think it ever will again. If it's an episode of 'Only Fools and Horses' for instance, I'd think another series is unlikely since the writer died. But if it's for something where you expect the series to return, why not? They may be making the next series right now.

Another possibility is the smaller producers on Channel 4. C4 doesn't produce anything in its own right - it's hived out to different production companies who may have bigger ears for good ideas from newcomers.
Oh wait, we were talking radio, weren't we? Cancel that.
Don't forget the smaller local radio stations who are equally hungry. And a credit in radio, no matter how esoteric, is still a credit for your writing CV.