Columnist

A game-changing move for digital-first innovators 

When was the last time you checked the TV guide to plan your evening’s entertainment? 

These days, many of us head straight to an app to pick what we want and when we want it, which is why only a handful of top-tier shows grab huge audiences when they are aired on scheduled television (think The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing).

There’s been a massive shift from broadcast to broadband and, with YouTube becoming the second most watched media service in the UK (behind only the BBC) it’s no surprise commissioners are re-focusing their efforts to stay ahead of the game. 

In order to reach and retain viewers of all ages (including younger audiences tuning into the immediacy of social channels) digital content is increasingly becoming a core part of commissioning, rather than an ‘add-on’. 

For companies delivering to traditional broadcast platforms, there are fewer commissioning opportunities, and for those trying to break in, it is becoming increasingly difficult too.

That’s why the BBC and North East Screen are working together to identify the region’s boldest and most ambitious businesses with a strong desire to boost their digital-first content. 

This new Digital Accelerator – announced at the Edinburgh TV Festival and launched at Stockton Arc – is a £600,000 investment pot.

It is the BBC’s first Digital Accelerator, the biggest investment of its kind in the North East’s digital screen sector and a huge win for our region. 

It shows a real commitment to backing our talent to lead.

Over the last few years, thanks to investment from NESIP, we have quadrupled our region's linear companies delivering to broadcast platforms from two to eight. 

Now is the time for ambitious digital-first companies that are flight of foot, innovative and noisy to have their time too.

The venture is open to companies with experience of creating content for traditional TV broadcasting, as well as businesses already prolific on digital channels and ready to scale.

So, if you’re a company that has had success in the online content space, now could be the time to take it to the next level.

That’s why the BBC’s Digital Accelerator represents a pivotal moment for the region. 

We have partnered with broadcasters before on digital-first commissions.

But this time, we’ll be investing in homegrown companies to explore how they can diversify income streams and innovate content with a future-focused slant. 

We’ll be backing them to be at the forefront of their own digital-first content creation, in collaboration with the UK’s largest public sector media service.

Over a nine-month period, ten companies will receive funding to develop pitches, and up to four will receive funding to develop, produce and distribute innovative formats for a range of platforms.

The selected companies will also receive continued support from BBC and external experts, including mentorship, audience insights and editorial and business guidance.

We know this is a game-changing programme for the right creative and digital minds. And we know there is a huge market for digital-first content that shows no signs of slowing. 

We also know there are outstanding North East digital-first success stories from podcasts to YouTubers – and we’re sure there is even more untapped talent.

The appetite is there, the ambition is there and the creativity is there. 

Now we have the budget and partnerships we need to connect the dots and unleash the next generation of companies that can provide a home for the talent our region has to offer.

To find out more, visit https://northeastscreen.org/bbc-digital-accelerator-2/

Lisa Laws is development director at North East Screen

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