Learning Gets BBC Boost

The BBC has launched a new strategy to put learning at the heart of the corporation and provide learning opportunities for all audiences.
Utilising the power of the BBC's big brands and key talent, BBC Learning hopes to make sure that everyone is given the opportunity to learn new skills, knowledge or ideas.
The BBC's learning department - which is part of BBC Knowledge - is spearheading the new strategy but all the BBC's platforms, genres, regions and nations will be involved in making it a reality.
A new contestable learning fund of £5million is being created next year to enhance the learning impact of key content across the entire BBC whether made in-house or by Indies. And a learning exchange will be set up with a small team being able to offer advice on education, creativity and partnerships.
New initiatives announced include a new series of the EastEnders online spin-off drama E20; a new daytime literacy campaign; a new series designed to get the nation "hands on" with history and face-to-face events for the new Brian Cox series, Stargazing. BBC Learning has also committed to spend more on television shows aimed at adults who need help with basic skills and invest in learning projects aimed at older teens on BBC Three.
Controller of Learning, Saul Nassé, said: "When I was a child I was inspired to study science by Raymond Baxter on Tomorrow's World, a show I later went on to edit. I want everyone in Britain to have a similar story of how the BBC enriched their life.
"I want to use BBC programmes that are known and loved by audiences that can serve as springboards for learning, whether that be a drama or a documentary. Many broadcasters "inform" and "entertain" but we are the only one that has "educate" at the heart of our public purpose. We have a wealth of content at our disposal and I want to ensure we are making the most of it – making it accessible and available to all."
(BMcC/KMcA)