CPB/PBS Diversity and Innovation Fund

CPB/PBS Diversity and Innovation Fund

Request for Proposals

Weekly, Primetime Television Series

Objective

This RFP, the first from the Diversity and Innovation Fund, is designed to solicit proposals to provide the NPS with a new, weekly, primetime series – content that will expand viewership and usage, reaching an adult audience on-air and online that reflects the diversity of the 40-64 year old US population. Specifically, the DI Fund seeks to:

* Diversify the NPS by attracting more racially and ethnically diverse viewers and Web visitors within the target demographic;
* Expand the current NPS audience through the increased use of content created by a diverse group of producers and through the effective use of new and emerging technologies;
* Leverage the talent and creativity of executive producers and producers from minority and underserved communities;
* Build capacity for the public media system from within those communities; and
* Encourage innovation in the planning, production and distribution of public media content.

The content should be conceived and budgeted with multiple-platform use (broadcast, VOD, Internet, mobile, DVD, etc.) in mind from the outset. As producers develop their proposals and ultimately their pilot programs, they should consider not only the traditional broadcast components but also the digital strategy which may include web presence, mobile applications, social media, inclusion in the Digital Learning Library and/or PBS Teachers, etc.

The RFP encourages proposals for a variety of popular genres, including science, history, travel, natural history and exploration. This RFP is *not* seeking children's, drama or news and public affairs content, as these subject areas are being addressed via other initiatives and/or existing properties. The RFP encourages proposals to include characteristics embodied by "The Explorer" archetype – a psychographic audience target aligned with core NPS values and validated by CPB audience research. (See detail on The Explorer archetype following the RFP.)

Sustainable costs are key to the success of any new or continuing series. We are asking applicants to submit proposals for a series of 10 episodes that can be produced for $375,000 per hour (or less) with attendant rights that allow for the efficient use of the content on all distribution platforms. The intent is to "pilot" several projects. One or more will then be selected for series production.

To better reach the target audience, each television-centered, multi-platform project budget should include an appropriate level of funding for marketing across all platforms. Similarly, to maximize impact, each project budget should include an appropriate level of funding for meaningful and measurable engagement plans. Partnerships are encouraged. Producers should consider working closely with the National Center for Media Engagement (NCME) and public radio to develop and implement engagement plans.

The cost of promotion, outreach, station relations, new media deployment (exclusive of rights) and publicity do not have to be included in the $375,000/hour target, but should be factored into the overall project budget.

Click here to read the full details on how to apply.