The BBC is launching a bold new campaign of engagement with young people to listen to what matters to them and ensure that their needs are being met as plans for the BBC of the future are evolved.
Launched this week, UNBOXD is a youth-focused research drive that’s all about deepening the BBC’s connection with this group. It will use a mix of innovative methods to reach young people aged 16 to 24 where they are, from AI-powered chatbot interviews for young people, to interactive digital workshops hosted by youth engagement specialists.
Last week the BBC published the results from the Our BBC, Our Future questionnaire which received 872,701 responses from people across the UK sharing their views on the organisation and its future. While thousands of 18 to 24s took part, the BBC is now going to look more closely at the specific needs, interests and lives of young people.
The BBC is also collaborating with Children in Need and working with other youth-focused organisations across the UK.
The BBC is committed to understanding what matters most to this generation as part of its goal to provide value for all in a changing media landscape. That means listening to what is going on in their lives, what topics are important to them, what concerns they have, how they feel about AI and other emerging tech trends and how they decide what to trust online. But UNBOXD is more than just a listening exercise, it’s about opening up the BBC to young people and showcasing content that speaks to their world.
Anyone who wants to find out more can visit the new BBC UNBOXD website, where 18 to 24-year-olds can take part in a short online questionnaire and have their say.
Along the way the BBC will be teaming up with popular social media creators to talk with their followers about what matters to them. This all builds up to a live celebration in Birmingham early next year where young people will come together to explore the findings, share their voices, explore the BBC’s world-class content and celebrate their role in shaping the BBC’s future.
Kerris Bright, BBC Chief Customer Officer, said: “It’s vital that we understand what matters most to young audiences today and that they can shape our services of tomorrow. UNBOXD is about listening, learning, and making sure the BBC reflects their lives, interests and ambitions for a long time to come. We want a BBC that feels relevant, useful and inspiring to them – now and in the future.”
