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To offer value to every licence fee payer, the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ must reflect, represent and share stories from all parts of the UK and ensure our economic impact is felt across the nations and regions.

Today, the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ invests more in original British creativity than anyone else, keeping the UK’s creative economy strong and supporting new talent across the sector.

The stories which celebrate our culture and communities are the stories our audiences value most, yet they are also in danger of being squeezed out in today’s extraordinarily competitive global landscape.

This seemingly infinite amount of choice means we have access to an incredible variety of media from across the globe, including shows that represent the very best of global storytelling. Whilst providing advantages to consumers, this change also means we are in danger of the UK’s world- class creative industries being undermined, diminishing our unique cultural identity and its remarkable influence and export value worldwide.

That is why it is more important than ever that the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ tells authentic British stories that portray the experiences and lives of people from across the UK; stories which strengthen our cultural foundations at home whilst resonating with audiences overseas.

It is why this year we have continued to lead the way in investing in original British content and harnessing the very best creative talent from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½’s goal to provide distinctive high- quality British content for all audiences also includes our formal learning offer and content for children, which forms the cornerstone of children’s media in the UK and gives young people an understanding of their nation and beyond.

In today’s fast-changing world, the jeopardy is high around homegrown content that tells the unique stories of the UK’s nations and regions, serves the needs of the British public of all backgrounds and ages, and underpins the strength of our creative economy.

The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½’s commitment to backing homegrown storytelling is unique in its ambition, scale, and impact.

In Their Own Words

Gwenllian Hughes

Creative Director, Kailash Films

The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½â€™s Small Indie Fund supports the growth of small independent production companies from across the UK with turnovers below £10 million across multiple genres. Cardiff-based Kailash Films was one of 57 recipients of funding and mentoring in 2024.

As an ambitious independent production company based in the nations and regions, securing support from the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Small Indie Fund has been a game-changer for Kailash Films. The fund has provided us with vital resources and mentorship, helping us grow our business and develop ambitious premium projects.

One of the most significant outcomes was the co-commission by ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Wales and ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Documentaries of Helmand: Tour of Duty, a deeply personal and powerful feature-length documentary that aired last year. The co-produced film, which tells the untold stories of the Welsh Guards in Afghanistan, wouldn’t have been possible without the backing we received.

Seeing it resonate with audiences and being nominated for a prestigious RTS Award is incredible validation of the success of the fund and the work we do.The fund didn’t just help us secure a commission, it gave us the platform and stability to grow our premium documentaries slate.

Nathan Sandhu

Communications Specialist, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Corporate Affairs

The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ is an official broadcast partner of Bradford UK City of Culture in 2025.

This year has felt like a defining moment for my hometown. An opportunity to fully embrace the creative and storytelling genius in the city and district, and we've delivered.

The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ has commissioned a raft of new content – all to showcase Bradford’s outstanding creative contribution to the UK.

A personal highlight was the launch event for Virdee, the gripping crime drama made in Bradford. I felt honoured to lead the media campaign for the screening at the landmark St George’s Hall. The audience reaction gave me goosebumps and reinforced once again why I’m so proud to call this city home.

If we can harness the positivity and energy this year has brought already, Bradford can go into 2026 with a confidence and swagger that will be the best legacy of all.

Bradford has always been a city of culture in my book, and it deserves to have its moment in the spotlight. Now is Bradford’s time.

Sharon D Clarke

Actor – Mr Loverman

Sharon was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for Leading Actress for her role as Carmel Walker in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ drama Mr Loverman.

I’ve never been on a TV set before that has had this much diversity, in all my career. I’m used to being one of one or maybe a couple of Black people in front of the screen, with one but usually no people of colour off screen.

Throughout the whole show, we had this vast array of people from all different swaths of cultures, backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ and religions. It’s long overdue and it makes my heart sing because this is what we’ve been fighting for, for inclusivity, equality and diversity on every level, in every department.

So, to actually live it has been incredible. It’s done to the highest of levels, produces work that I am proud of, a team that I am proud to be a part of, and I highly commend the producers at Fable Pictures and the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ for following through with beautiful conviction!