UK Broadcasters join forces

On Wednesday evening, all 21 services are broadcasting a two-minute film entitled Our Stories. The short film was created by Uncommon Creative Studio and directed by Sam Walker through Pulse Films, and features an overarching message of “our stories are your stories.” The film takes viewers on a trip through the UK, travelling along beautiful coastlines, through London estates, around the Royal Academy gallery and all the way to the Angel of the North.  

Throughout you’ll spot the screens of televisions, tablets and mobile phones to show some of the programmes which have brought people out of isolation, kept them feeling connected to the rest of the country and given them the ability to keep exploring, discovering, laughing and learning during the pandemic.  

The launch aims to reach 50% of the country’s adult population, uniting half of the UK through the medium of television. It really is a celebration of the responsibility and importance of television, bringing people across the country from all walks of life together.

BBC director-general Tony Hall commented:  

“British free to air television – commissioned from the UK and produced in the UK – is here for everyone. We bring people together for the big moments – from a royal wedding to the World Cup. We are there at times of crisis and to provide comfort, laughter, education and entertainment.” 

Similarly, ITV’s chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said:  

“From the excitement of our big entertainment shows, to the power and creativity of dramas and soaps to the depth and breadth of our documentaries and national and regional news and sport, our focus is reflecting a full range of experiences, bringing people’s lives centre stage...” 

Alex Mahon, Channel 4’s chief executive, also commented on the vital role of public service broadcasting: 

“Channel 4 has a unique role to play in public service broadcasting – we were created to challenge the status quo and in doing so tell the stories that otherwise may not be told...This film is an incredible celebration of British storytelling and the beautiful, harrowing, funny and necessary stories we collectively share with the audiences we serve.” 

While Ben Frow, Channel 5’s director of programmes, emphasised Channel 5’s pride to be involved in this unique event: 

“We are proud to be part of this united campaign celebrating the role the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 all play for the nation.” 

As a reminder that British people are at the heart of free to air television broadcasting, the film ends with the message:  

“This is the story of everything we’ve done. And everything we could be. This is us. This is who we are. Our stories are your stories.”  

Make sure you tune in to see the short film on Wednesday evening just before 9pm on any of the participating channels. It will also air throughout July. 

All of us here at Freesat strongly agree that television can unite and connect us, especially in such unprecedented times. That’s why we teamed up with Age UK to bring free 4K TV to Manchester’s elderly community, keeping some of the UK’s most vulnerable people feeling connected and entertained. Make sure you sign up to Freesat’s newsletter to stay in the loop about our favourite telly picks and discover new titles to watch this week.