What’s New? aims to keep 11-16 year olds up to date with current affairs, in a fun and entertaining way.
BBC World Service has launched a new television programme for young people in Africa, aiming to give 11-16 year olds a chance to tell their own stories and find out more about the world’s issues.
What’s New?, which is part of the BBC’s investment for new programming in Africa, covers news and current affairs specifically for children across the continent – the first time an international broadcaster has done this.
“We know that from talking to young people in Africa, they are not just interested in where they live, they are also interested in world events,” said Harriet Oliver, editor, What’s New?.
“We are aiming to educate them in what’s going on around them, and encourage them to take an interest in news at a young age.”
The weekly show, which covers hard-hitting issues from floods to fake news, is broadcasted around Africa in countries including Kenya, Namibia and Nigeria, and is presented from a new immersive, virtual studio.
“This technology particularly appeals to young people as we can do exciting things such as turning the studio into a football pitch or the sea shore,” said Oliver, explaining that her team are experimenting to see how best they can create engaging visuals for young people.
“It is an opportunity for us as an organisation to really try this technology out – I think the BBC would like to roll this out more widely, so we’re the guinea pigs, if you like, which is a fantastic thing.”
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Source: Journalism.co.uk