Cricket Tender – Statement by S4C
25-Feb-2010
At the end of 2009, S4C issued an open invitation to production companies to tender for a contract to produce cricket programmes for S4C.
The tender was announced, in accordance with the channel’s tender arrangements, following S4C’s success in securing the rights to broadcast a number of Glamorgan 20/20 games live from the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff. The programme package included live games and preview and highlights programmes.
S4C’s intention is to offer coverage dealing with all aspects of the play whilst also conveying all the excitement and special atmosphere of the live game to viewers at home.
Unfortunately, the tenders received did not meet the editorial requirements and expectations of S4C.
As a consequence, S4C has re-assessed the situation and the work of overseeing and co-ordinating the coverage will now be done directly by S4C. This does not set a precedent; the only reason for this decision is the disappointing standard of the tenders.
The expenditure in connection with the production will be administered in accordance with S4C’s procurement procedures and there will be opportunities to compete for elements of the work, including production roles and technical contracts.
S4C encourages the sector to consider the implications of failing to meet S4C’s requirements in the context of this tender. The channel believes that production companies should take the opportunity to consider the quality and nature of ideas developed whilst preparing a tender, and the guidance and information given in accordance with S4C’s content strategy when applying for contracts through open tender process.