BBC England

BBC England launches new current affairs programme as platform for underserved audiences

We Are England will aim to reflect the changing face of England and explore hot topics in regions often ignored.

Each series of 60 programmes will therefore be made from hubs in Leeds, Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, London and Norwich. 120 will be broadcast per year.

Of the programmes already made, audiences will hear from pastors keeping city streets safe at night, army veterans suffering from mental health problems retraining as HGV drivers and the family of Michelle Bettles, 20 years on from her murder.

BBC Three and BBC England launch Factual Development Scheme for Northern England

BBC Three and BBC England have collaborated to form a new Factual Development Scheme for the North of England called Northern Voices.

The partnership is offering commissions to local independent production companies for new ideas for documentaries that reflect the experiences of young people in the region.

A new documentary talent must be attached to the pitch with a view to nurture them throughout production, as the partnership aims to improve both the production supply and talent pool from the region.