BBC Monthly: June Docs, Specials and Video Selections – May 18, 2023

Coming in June 2023

Beginning June 11, 2023, the BBC will launch Happy News, a weekly collection of positive stories including inspiring audio, uplifting interviews and joyous reflection from the people at the center of positive stories around the world.

The program offers hope, agency and empathy. Examples of stories featured: educating Afghan girls through the new BBC DARS service, using shrimp infused bandages to clot blood on the battlefield, and making use of otherwise wasted energy by heating swimming pools while cooling data centres.

  • Launch date: June 11, 2023 – weekly broadcast
  • Broadcast window: within 7 days of Sunday 5:30pm ET
  • Download availability:  from Sunday 5:30pm ET for 7 days
  • Duration: 26 minutes 30 seconds
  • Download the new summer schedule here

As a BBC affiliate, you have access to rights-cleared videos produced by the BBC. Visit the BBC Media Partner Centre to take advantage of this opportunity and increase your social media presence with consistent, shareable videos centering topics aligned with your audience’s interests.

See below for a curated selection of high-performing videos.


Docs and Specials

*If you would like to request an air window extension, please contact your station representative. Extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis and may be granted subject to rights.

Witness History: Pride Month

One hour
June 1 – 30

Curated from the BBC’s Witness History program, significant moments in LGBTQ history – as told by the people who were there.

Controlled & Connected – 50 Years of the cell phone

One hour
June 17 – July 7

50 years on from the first mobile phone call, this programme examines how the device has revolutionised the way we live our lives. What have we gained and what have we lost from our relationship with this small device which has gone from being a phone to a mini computer in all our pockets?

Forum – Global mass tourism

One hour
June 24 – July 21

Drawing on listeners’ questions and comments, Rajan Datar examines the way mass tourism has impacted people’s lives, both positively and negatively, and looks for lessons from the history of tourism that can help us find a more balanced future for the industry.


Monthly BBC Video Selections:

View the instructional guide and social media best practices resource available on our website. Click the links and images below to preview and download these videos.

People Fixing the World: The pedal-powered wheelchair that’s transforming lives

'Person in pedal powered wheelchair'
  • Description: The Cogy wheelchair is driven entirely by pedal power. And it can even be used by people who are severely paralysed. For more solutions, download the People Fixing the World podcast. Video Journalist: Cheng Herng Shinn
  • Suggested social copy: The Cogy wheelchair is making life easier for many people with mobility problems.
  • Duration: 2 minutes 25 seconds

Why is that?: What are the benefits of being shy?

'young girl with piftails looking shy with hands on their face'
  • Description: Prof Thalia Eley, developmental behavioural geneticist at King’s College London, takes a look at the positive qualities of quiet people that are often undervalued by society.
  • Suggested social copy: Different personalities have a range of strengths with distinct evolutionary advantages.
  • Duration: 1 minute 18 seconds

Health: Why do we sleepwalk?

''
  • Description: The exact causes of sleepwalking are unknown but scientists have thought that genetic factors, illnesses or even just needing to go to the toilet are possible triggers. One thing is certain though, it’s not dangerous to wake up a sleepwalker.
  • Suggested social copy: We don’t know what causes sleepwalking but scientists say waking up a sleepwalker is safe.
  • Duration: 2 minutes 13 seconds

Visit the BBC Media Partner Centre for detailed program descriptions, new program rundowns, content downloads and more. To sign up for Media Partner Centre credentials, or for any other details on the site, visit our BBC Partners page for more info.

Questions about BBC docs and specials? Please contact your Station Representative.

Visit our website to learn more about BBC World Service programs, digital offerings and newsletters.