In case you’ve ever wanted your online work showcased to a much wider audience, have I got an opportunity for you.

CBC is now soliciting proposals for original online content. This is an open call, so you don’t have to work at the CBC to submit a proposal. Here are some of the factors you should think about when putting together your pitch:

• Potential impact – There is much competition for limited resources and success in the new media area is uncertain; it’s important, therefore, that we concentrate our efforts on fewer projects that have larger potential impact, while offering public value.
• New business models/approaches – We’re interested in proposals that help us understand different business models and relationships or technological approaches-our goal is to create “low-to-no cost” alternative distribution “channels.”
• Audience appeal – Audiences are faced with an ever-growing array of programming choices, on an expanding number of platforms, including the Internet, specialty television, satellite radio, gaming, and podcasts. To compete in this world, we’re interested in ideas that resonate with and attract a large number of viewers/audiences in genres we already serve well via radio and television.
• Content – We have particular interest in shorter form video or audio-in either comedy or music-that can be delivered to broadband or wireless.

Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Cost – Is the approach of the project in line with resource realities? Be sure to evaluate ongoing hosting and service requirements. Since we are looking for interesting partnerships, what is the bottom-line cost to the CBC to approve this project?
• Building community or audience – Does the project have the potential to attract a significant audience or build our online community?
• Use of the medium – Does the project make full use of the unique characteristics of the online world?
• Innovation – Does this project take us somewhere new? Is it an innovative idea or concept? Does it help us understand the medium better?
• Revenue potential – What is the potential to generate revenue? Is the proposal creative in the way it looks at potential revenue sources or partners?
• Reflection of Canada – How does the project further our mandate as the nation’s public broadcaster?
• Rights – Is the project feasible within CBC’s current rights framework? Is it possible to complete the project using our existing talent agreements? Are there limitations on distribution?

Your proposal should outline the full scope of your proposed project, including the creative approach. Identify your intended audience, as well as the tone, perspective and style for how you intend to reach them.

As for rights and branding issues, CBC will consider those on a case-by-case basis. So mention what you’d like for rights and what you’re willing to part with.

We also need to know your perspective on the next step in the development of the project, e.g., a pilot, a more detailed business model, further research, sample scripts, design mockup. All proposals should include a plan outlining how and when the development work will be done, as well as a proposed budget and audience and revenue estimates.

Finally, be sure to mention how learned about this (i.e. “InsideTheCBC.com employee blog”).

Once it’s ready, send it off to originaldigital@cbc.ca

For more information, contact Ted.Brunt@cbc.ca (Senior Director, Digital Entertainment) or Chris.Boyce@cbc.ca (Director of Program Development).

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