The Huffington Post has partnered with GroupM Entertainment for a new original documentary series hosted by Game of Thrones actress, Sophie Turner. #PowerShift examines the power of social media and the ways in which young people are embracing it to create positive change around the world.
Throughout the ten-part series, Turner will share stories from across the globe of how social media helped bring about change – from influencing public opinion and campaigning for social justice, to starting political revolutions and creating celebrity names.
#PowerShift, co-produced by Broad Bean Media, will be available on all 15 global editions of The Huffington Post and will be syndicated through the AOL On network. This is the second new original series announced this month by AOL, which acquired Huffington Post in 2011. Beyond the Horizon is also hosted by a well-known actor in Academy Award-winning actor, musician, director and entrepreneur Jared Leto, whose series sees him take an in-depth look at the future of humanity. The on-demand platform AOL On launched in the UK in March last year and marked the company’s first foray outside the North American market.
AOL was acquired by Verizon earlier this year, allowing the company to focus more on original content. Speaking at MIPCOM Jimmy Maymann, EVP and president, AOL content and consumer brands and former CEO of The Huffington Post is reported to have stressed the need to accelerate the company���s investment in video, to produce more original content and to license content.
Hamish Nicklin, managing director of AOL UK said that #PowerShift “highlights AOL’s commitment in creating premium video content that delights consumers and enables brands to connect with audiences across a fragmented digital ecosystem.”
“Even though we’ve seen example after example around the world of social media deepening connections, improving lives and making the world better, we are still only beginning to understand its potential,” said Arianna Huffington. “ So I’m delighted that, as part of our “What’s Working” initiative to reimagine journalism with an emphasis on solutions, #PowerShift is putting a spotlight on real people using social media to change the world, in a way that’s both inspiring and entertaining.”
Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones commented: “Social media has amplified the voice for my generation around the world and changed the way that we communicate. I am a huge advocate of social media and thrilled to be given the opportunity to delve deep into its influence and impact on society at large.”
