BBC - Commissioning - Current Affairs on BBC Three

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Current Affairs on BBC Three

• See all BBC Three briefs

Commissioner: Clive Edwards

Overview

Current Affairs on BBC Three shows how the genre can attract and engage younger audiences.

On BBC Three we are tightly aligned to the interests, cares and concerns of the Channel's main audience: 16–34 year olds.

The subjects tend to cluster more around issues personal to this audience - body image, lifestyle choices, becoming an adult - than they might around the more traditional subjects like Westminster and other national institutions. However, the scope of Current Affairs on BBC Three is wide-ranging - from the more gritty journey of The Truth About Child Brides to the recent hits Britain's Gay Footballers and So What If My Baby Is Born Like Me? 

What's been working well gallery

On BBC Three, Women, Weddings, War and Me performed extremely well achieving the highest ever AI for a factual show.

Britain's Gay Footballers is a good example of journalism relevant to the BBC Three audience that performed extremely well.

So What If My Baby Is Born Like Me? Jono Lancaster's second film for the channel was a huge hit with the BBC Three audience and is a good example of how we can build talent. These successes demonstrate the true versatility of Current Affairs on the channel.

Current Affairs - BBC Three - Flexible on shape - 1×60' or shorter 2 - 3×60' series.

Any subject as long as it is relevant to the target audience. This audience has a different agenda for current affairs than older groups, so the idea has to reflect their interests and always let them be the judge. Key to the genre on BBC Three are personal, subjective stories told from the perspective of the participant; they are never lectures or grumbles from older groups about the evils faced by young people.

Single narratives work well for the channel and casting is key, whether it be well-known talent or extraordinary characters from real life. The subject must sustain across the hour or series and 360 degree propositions are welcome as the channel has a strong Internet presence

Where are the opportunities available? 

There are opportunities in the Inhouse Guarantee and Wocc in 12/13.  Please note that a number of hours have a Regional or Nations quota attached

How should I submit my ideas and who should I pitch to?

All proposals should be submitted via the e-commissioning system to the relevant genre controller or commissioner. Take a look at the Who's Who for the latest current affairs  commissioning team contacts

Want to know more about the broader BBC Three service strategy?

If you would like to know more about Zai Bennett's BBC Three channel strategy, please visit the BBC Three page.