C4 preps current affairs vodcasts Untangled and A News Thing to target Gen Z

UK public broadcaster Channel 4 (C4) has announced two new current affairs video podcast series aimed at Gen Z audiences, hosted by Ben Zand, Stacey Dooley and Michael Odewale.

Doc maker Stacey Dooley

Untangled features documentarians Dooley (Rape on Trial) and Zand (The Secret World of Incels: Untold), who explore the headlines at the top of social media feeds and discuss both major breaking stories and under-reported issues. It is being produced by Zand’s Liverpool- and London-based factual studio Zandland.

A News Thing, meanwhile, is a more light-hearted weekly review of the news, hosted by comedian Odewale and regulars from YouTube channel A Comedy Thing by Channel 4. It is being made by digital-focused outfit Strongwatch Studios.

Both vodcasts will be streamed on YouTube and Spotify and were commissioned following the January publication of C4’s study Gen Z: Trends, Truth and Trust. This highlighted how young audiences have more confidence in news reported via social media than established journalistic outlets.

Louisa Compton, head of news and current affairs, specialist factual and sport at C4, said: “Young audiences are drowning in an online world of disinformation, divisive and toxic views. As a result they’re hungry for informed, fact-checked and reliable information to help them make sense of the world and these pods will help them do that in very different ways.

“We’re delighted to bring Stacey Dooley to C4 and think she and Ben, who both carry a wealth of reporting experience, will prove an audience favourite.”

C4 has also announced digital factual commission Findoms: Uncovered. The 1×25′ show is produced by Glasgow-based prodco Tern TV and sees journalist Sydney Lima investigate the world of financial domination, in which men willingly hand over cash in exchange for humiliation, power play and control.

Made in partnership with Screen Scotland, it premieres on YouTube brand Channel 4 Documentaries on October 23 and will also stream on the Channel 4 streaming service.