Channel 4, Facebook partner for weekly news show

Channel 4 has partnered with Facebook for a weekly news show, months after the social media giant rolled out its Watch platform globally. 

Uncovered is to launch on Facebook Watch, and will provide in-depth news and analysis from C4 News’ team of domestic and international correspondents who will tackle under-reported series, focusing on a single major international issue each week.

The partnership comes months after Facebook launched a news section on Watch, with shows such as CNN’s Anderson Cooper Full Circle, Fox News’ Fox News Update and ABC News’ On Location.

Most recently, the platform tied with the BBC for weekly series Cut Through The Noise.

The C4 partnership is a natural progression for the broadcaster and social media platform, given that Channel 4 News had more than 1bn views on Facebook and YouTube in 2018.

The 10-minute episodes of Uncovered will be presented in a mobile-focused vertical format, and fronted by special correspondents from around the world.

The partnership also comes as C4 prepares to launch a new journalistic hub in Leeds on the back of the broadcaster setting up national headquarters out of the northern England city.

Ben de Pear, editor of C4 News, said: “When the credibility of news is being constantly challenged, never has it been more important to increase the visibility and reach of high-quality sources of news across social network platforms.

“That is why we are excited to work with Facebook Watch, bringing together compelling content on a platform that connects audiences with timely and reliable news videos, produced by serious news organisations and being properly funded.”

Shelley Venus, video lead on news partnerships for Facebook, said: “Channel 4 News has a proven track record for engaging their audiences with investigative reporting. I look forward to seeing how Uncovered highlights unreported international issues in a mobile-first format and shows people what else is happening in the world.”