FACTUAL TV


FACTUAL FOR A NON-LINEAR AGE


EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE


As the SVODs opt for more unscripted TV and the traditional broadcasters take an increasingly ‘digital first’ approach, factual television is subtly shifting in shape to fit the non-linear age. Pippa Considine reports


T


he BBC commissioning strategy is now firmly iPlayer- first, with other UK PSBs following suit. Taken together with the widening of factual content on streamer


services, we’ve reached a tipping point where making TV for non-linear viewing is the priority. While linear isn’t going anywhere fast,


the number of viewers watching scheduled TV channels has been gradually declining, as subscription VoD viewing rises. The two are roughly the same in the UK since the start of 2022, with viewers watching just over one hour a day of each, according to data compiled by Ampere Analysis. While viewing on-demand from pay TV providers, free online video and AVoD have also all been rising. And as the traditional channels experience their


linear audiences becoming older, non-linear isn’t just an inevitability, it’s a chance to target younger viewers without alienating those loyal, older viewers.


UPSTREAM IDEAS But what does this mean for finding ideas that will cut through and taking creative approaches that underpin successful factual shows? Live TV is parked, and quieter documentary


is an uneasy proposition when viewers in the UK already spend roughly 100 days of their lives searching for a TV programme. While SVoD can aim programming at audience sub-sets, any idea has to stand-out. There’s been a doubling down on a handful of


genres. Claire Laycock is svp head of Content and Planning, Warner Bros Discovery UK, across its linear and streaming platforms. “On discovery+, we have found some genres have bubbled to the top - namely, true crime documentaries, paranormal, dating and reality and talent-led factual.” Natural history has also been a winner for


streamers. Green Planet and Frozen Planet 2 were


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