BBC And North East Screen Launch Digital Accelerator

The BBC and North East Screen have officially launched the Digital Accelerator, a nine-month programme aimed at accelerating the digital capabilities of production companies in the North East.

Supported by a £600,000 investment from the BBC and the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP), funded through the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority, the initiative will enable up to four regional companies to pilot and produce digital-first video content targeted at 16–24-year-olds. Content will be designed for platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and other digital channels.

The programme was unveiled at a launch event at Stockton Arc on 3 November 2025, attended by Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen, and Fiona Campbell, Controller of BBC iPlayer & BBC Three and Interim Director of Unscripted. Athena Witter, CEO and Founder of Engine Pop, also participated, sharing insights into the evolving digital media landscape.

The event brought together production companies, digital creators, freelancers, and industry leaders from across the region. Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from the BBC commissioning team, learn how to apply and network with fellow creatives and industry experts.

Fiona Campbell, Controller of Youth Audiences and Interim Director of Unscripted at the BBC said: "The Digital Accelerator is a bold next step in our mission to grow digital production talent across the UK. By empowering North East companies to experiment, test, and scale digital-first ideas, we're not only investing in the region's creative future, we’re helping shape the BBC’s own evolution in how we reach and reflect 16–24-year-old audiences."

Lisa Laws, Development Director at North East Screen, said: "The North East is a rapidly growing production hub, and we're committed to sustaining that momentum by backing our companies to create bold, digital-first content that resonates with young audiences. As viewing habits continue to evolve, the Digital Accelerator represents a transformative leap forward for the region’s screen sector. This programme is not just about content; it’s about building a future-ready ecosystem that drives long-term growth."

www.bbc.co.uk