Identifying the priorities for commissioners is a common dilemma for all programme makers – how to find out what shows excite them, where there are gaps in their schedules, and how best to pitch those winning ideas. In this masterclass, recorded at the BBC Academy’s Fast Train event in Glasgow, October 2013, Jo Street, commissioning executive for BBC Daytime, Alan Tyler, executive editor for entertainment commissioning, BBC Scotland, Colin Paterson, editor for topical programmes and events, BBC Radio Scotland, and Ian MacKenzie, media project manager for Channel 4, highlight some of the issues that programme makers face and offer their suggestions of how best to make use of their time and their attention. The panel discussion is chaired by BBC Scotland presenter Shereen Nanjiani.