Last updated 17 Nov 08
For the last three years or more BBC Radio has been developing a major new integrated computer-based production system for radio, from digital editing in desktop computers or workshops, through mixing in studio to direct broadcasting from the computer network. The "bits and pieces" approach where material had to be transferred through a range of media, such as mini-disc or CD, is being superseded. The preferred digital editor is Sadie, and the company is working very closely with VCS to develop and maintain the BBC's system.
All this has a number of consequences for freelances:
Avoiding compressed audio
Audio that has been "compressed" at any stage may cause "digital artefacts" (audible odd noises) when processed and broadcast through the VCS system. Having said that we are not being prohibited from using mini-disc recorders (which do compress the audio) and given that the BBC has a huge archive of programmes made with material gathered on mini-disc recorders that is just as well. However we do have a duty to avoid repeated compression, for example by dubbing edited material back onto mini-disc.
Choice of editing software
If you want to work in-house in Broadcasting House in London a lot you could do with becoming proficient in Sadie, and free training courses will be available for regular freelances. However if you just submit edited material to BH, or anywhere else, then it's up to you how you edit at home, so carry on using Cool Edit or Pro Tools if that's what you have already and know well.
If you want to work in-house in New Broadcasting House in Manchester a lot you could do with becoming proficient in Pro Tools, and some free training is available on an ad hoc basis. In the same way if you are just sending material into NBH Mrc, then you can edit it any way you want.
Note: in some cases it can be useful to send a complete partly-mixed Pro Tools "session" to your staff producer contact -- they or an SM can then load it into their digital editor (Pro Tools or, with the right "add-on" software, Sadie) and carry on mixing. The advantage over just sending your final edited material is that they can alter your edits and mixing more easily with the whole session.
Filing material
Because VCS is based on a computer network, it becomes very easy for BBC staff to move audio files, including complete programmes around without needing a physical copy. And it also means that freelances can send their material over the internet -- see the "digital filing" page.