Strong Watch and Acclaimed Content win BBC Perspectives YouTube commission

Strong Watch Studios and Acclaimed Content have been chosen by the BBC to create formats for its youth-focused factual YouTube channel Perspectives (w/t).

The channel is aimed at 16 to 24-year-ols who want open, honest and informed online discussion. Its content will also be available on iPlayer.

Strong Watch and Birmingham-based Acclaimed Content will create programming that will showcase a range of views and experiences from across the UK. In January, the BBC revealed its commissioning brief inviting producers to pitch for £2m-worth of content funding, which is to be shared between two indies.

The BBC specified it is seeking “distinctive, light-hearted and emotionally intelligent” content about life across the UK, aiming to encourage online dialogue and debate among younger demos.

Although details of Strong Watch and Acclaimed’s pitches are under-wraps, the BBC said Perspectives’ content will “challenge assumptions, spark curiosity and build understanding”, while adhering to editorial standards of fairness, accuracy and impartiality.

Both indies have a pedigree in making online content that resonates with young audiences, each having produced several formats for Channel 4’s youth entertainment brand Channel 4.0, including Random or Related (Acclaimed) and The Snake (Strong Watch).

Perspectives (w/t) is part of the BBC’s landmark YouTube strategy, which also includes youth documentary channel Deepwatch and seven new children’s channels.

Fiona Campbell, director of factual, BBC, said: “In a world of polarising online content, this channel aims to bring the BBC’s values of impartiality and fairness to young YouTube audiences looking for insightful discussion online. Our mission is to bring people together, deepen their relationship with the BBC and to help build a community of discussion for the next generation.”

Mariel Capisciolto, BBC head of digital development, added: “It’s fantastic to be working with Acclaimed and Strong Watch Studios – who will be laser focused on creating fresh, entertaining formats that will encourage thought-provoking debate and meaningful conversation around the biggest topics affecting young lives today.”