BBC World Service has launched BBC Minute, a 60-second broadcast aimed at digitally connected audiences, which promises an alternative news source from the World Service. BBC Minute is available for download on iTunes and will also be distributed via partnerships with radio music stations around the world, particularly those aimed at younger listeners.
BBC Minute will keep audiences updated on what’s ‘trending’ and being shared on social media as well as the latest international news headlines, plus sport, tech, entertainment and science. BBC Minute is updated twice an hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“BBC Minute shows the World Service doing things differently,” said Mary Hockaday, controller, World Service English. “We’re providing a lively, bite-sized summary of the day’s global news for younger audiences. I’m thrilled so many partner stations are keen to work with us to bring our impartial, accurate news the world’s most trusted to fresh listeners, as we’re always looking for new ways to reach new audiences.”
BBC Minute has been running in Africa since February, with partners including YFM 99.2 in South Africa. Now more radio stations around the world are signing up to BBC Minute, including RJFM 100.3 and DZRJ 810 AM nationwide, on the Rajah Broadcasting Network in the Philippines, and Splash FM in Nigeria.
Steve Titherington, senior commissioning editor, World Service added: “BBC Minute provides direct news for the young and curious. Half the world is under 35. They are hungry for information and connected to the world in ways they themselves are shaping. BBC Minute shares in this change with new forms of storytelling and new forms of audio. The result is vibrant and quick but it’s also ruthlessly accurate and balanced. This is an alternative World Service but still the BBC World Service!”
The Beat 99.9 in Lagos, Nigeria, and Fresh FM in Namibia are among other new partner stations. BBC Minute brings together the multi-lingual, multi-platform and international expertise from across BBC News.
Rajah Broadcasting Network, a Philippine television and radio network, will be the only radio network in the country to launch the new programme. Bea Jacinto, assistant to the network’s president commented: “We welcome the BBC Minute which will fit perfectly into our listener profile of trendsetters, decision makers, and young professionals.”
Bisi Asomolowo, chief operating officer at Splash FM, the Nigerian radio station based in Oyo state, Ibadan, said, “It’s amazing how much information can be absorbed in a minute over a whole day without having to sit through the usual formats of traditional news. BBC Minute is very punchy, we love it at our station and I particularly find myself looking forward to the next bite size.”
BBC Minute can be downloaded here, and is available to listen to via the BBC website.
