BBC bosses have unveiled a “major” season of TV and radio programmes and online activity aimed at boosting and supporting digital creativity among Britain’s teenagers.
The season is part of the broadcaster’s contribution to wider efforts to address the UK’s shortage of digital skills. It’s already partnered with tech firms to give away up to 1m BBC micro:bit computers to school children.
Running until the end of this month, the new BBC Make it Digital season will include more than 35 TV and radio shows plus 26 online programmes which will showcase and celebrate technology.
Highlights include drama The GameChangers, in which Daniel Radcliffe plays one of the creators of the Grand Theft Auto games franchise, a BBC Three talent show entitled Girls Can Code, documentaries on BBC Two and Four and a series of programmes on BBC Radio 4 and 4 Extra.
Plus former Tomorrow’s World presenter Maggie Philbin will head up a new programme and digital influencer list in partnership with BBC 5Live – BBC Make it Digital Ones to Watch. She’ll be joined by Emma Mulqueeny, founder and CEO of Rewired State; Phil Smith, CEO of Cisco and Chair of the Tech Partnership; and BBC Technology Correspondent, Rory Cellan-Jones.
In additional to broadcast content the season will be supported with two online initiatives.
A new BBC platform called mixital will give viewers the chance to get creative with their favourite BBC programmes by telling stories set in EastEnders’ Albert Square or building their own Doctor Who games.
And, in partnership with Google and the Tech Partnership, the BBC is launching BBC Make it Digital Matchr, an interactive tool which will help audiences develop their skills.
Jessica Cecil, Controller, BBC Make it Digital, commented: “This is a hugely impressive season of programmes and content across BBC TV, Radio and Online, and it’s fantastic to see so many of our best-loved brands putting digital creativity in the spotlight.
“There’s something for everyone, with so many great stories about Britain’s role shaping the digital world, and we hope to inspire our next generation of digital pioneers.”
The season was officially launched on Wednesday evening by BBC Director-General Tony Hall who said: “Our country has led so many of the world’s tech and digital innovations, and BBC Make it Digital will help give us the skills we need to succeed in the future.
“It’s another great example of the BBC I believe in – an open BBC, working closely with others to achieve something far greater than we could on our own: to inspire the nation to get coding and get digital.”