A joint bid from Tern TV and Green Inc. has won the competitive tender to produce Sunday Morning Live, BBC One’s religious discussion programme, from Northern Ireland.
The tendering of returning series forms part of the BBC’s contestability requirements.
The tender was launched in September 2021 and from a field of five shortlisted tenderers, Tern TV and Green Inc’s bid scored highest against the published criteria – across editorial proposal and capability, value for money, how it delivers against the BBC’s strategic priorities, and risk.
The contract will be for two years, and covers 24 episodes across two series per year. The programme will continue to be fronted by a roster of presenters who will explore the ethical and religious issues of the day and discuss the week’s talking points.
Sunday Morning Live was previously produced by BBC Studios who decided not to bid for the tender.
Daisy Scalchi, BBC Commissioning Editor, says: “This was an extremely competitive bidding process and we would like to commend the shortlisted producers for the high quality and comprehensive bids they put forward. We are delighted that this decision means that two established companies that are embedded in the Northern Ireland production community will be working together to deliver the very best programme for audiences.”
Harry Bell, Managing Director, Tern TV, says: “We are incredibly proud to have secured this contract. With our huge experience in faith programming, this is a very special moment for Tern. We are hugely passionate about giving a voice to communities of all kinds from all parts of the UK.
“Our collaboration with Green Inc creates a Nations’ production powerhouse. Tern’s experience in specialist factual programming, factual formats and a pan-UK outlook perfectly matches Green Inc’s track record in live TV, studios and popular programming. Tern and Green Inc offer a winning partnership and a joint passion for the task ahead. This is also a great platform to look to the future and grow our buoyant Nations’ sectors. We are all very excited by this opportunity.”
Stephen Stewart, Founder, Green Inc, comments: “At the heart of this partnership is a trust and respect, as Brendan Hughes and I have known each other for almost 40 years. Green Inc is proud to be involved in this partnership. We are widely recognised as a leading producer of studio entertainment and fac-ent formats in the Nations, so are thrilled to have won this tender and to be co-producers with our friends at Tern for Sunday Morning Live.”
The Executive Producers are Brendan Hughes and Harry Bell, for Tern TV, and Stephen Stewart, for Green Inc.
Jon Creamer
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