BAFTA Albert has announced three Super-Indies – Banijay UK, Fremantle and ITV Studios – have signed the screen industry recognised Climate Content Pledge.
They join 12 leading broadcasters and streamers who committed to helping audiences engage with the world’s environmental challenges through on-screen content when the pledge was launched at COP 26 in 2021.
The announcement of these new signatories marks an evolution of the pledge from broadcaster and commissioner-focused to including independent production companies, committed to developing, pitching, and producing climate content and sustainability storytelling.
Speaking about Banijay UK, Fremantle and ITV Studio’s commitment, Catherine Ellis, BAFTA Albert’s head of climate content, said: “We know that our industry holds incredible power to tell extraordinary stories that really shift how we see things.
“When 12 pioneering organisations signed the Pledge in 2021, they committed to tell engaging, relevant, and hopeful stories about climate change and sustainable futures – across all genres.
“However, broadcasters and streamers are only half of the picture. Production companies bring the ideas to life – pitching original, fresh, relevant stories that reflect the world we live in. Their commitment shows the acceleration and momentum of this work.
“The Climate Content Pledge is our industry at its best: Broadcasters, streamers and producers working together to tell bold, hopeful climate-related stories that don’t just make great content, but that inspire audiences.”
The signatories of Banijay UK, Fremantle and ITV Studios signal a “wide-reaching commitment” to the Climate Content Pledge – collectively representing 65 UK based programming companies and over100 globally.
Their productions include Bergerac, MasterChef and SAS Rogue Heroes (Banijay UK), The Cage, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and The Apprentice (Fremantle), and After the Flood, Emmerdale and Secret Garden (ITV Studios).
Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay UK, said: “Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do as producers.
“Whether in documentary, drama, reality or entertainment, engaging audiences with stories that matter is our power.
“By supporting this Pledge, working hand in hand with our broadcast partners, building on the work already done, we can harness this power to tell the most urgent story which needs to be told as we navigate the path to net zero.”
Amelia Brown, CEO of Fremantle UK, added: “Fremantle is proud to support BAFTA Albert’s Climate Content Pledge and stand alongside an industry committed to driving meaningful change.
“We believe the stories we tell have the power to shape culture and influence behaviour, and with that comes a responsibility to reflect the realities of the climate and nature crisis on screen.
“Across our content, we are committed to embedding sustainability into storytelling in authentic and engaging ways, and to working collaboratively with partners to drive lasting impact on screen.”
Julian Bellamy, managing director, ITV Studios, concluded: “We are proud to build on the foundation laid by the broadcasters in signing this pledge and ensuring that climate-conscious creativity continues to be part of our editorial thinking.
“We know our greatest impact lies in our storytelling. From gripping dramas like After the Flood to weaving sustainable storylines into Emmerdale to David Attenborough’s Secret Garden – we are using our creative reach to engage audiences worldwide.
“The broadcasters started this journey and we, as producers, have continued driving it forward through authentic and impactful shows.”
