Bold New Social-First Series SIDES* Breaks Boundaries with New Voices and New Ways to Share
– With a weekly live-stream on Twitter and daily social media content created for youth by youth, SIDES* passes the mic to the next generation to explore their side of the biggest topics –
– SIDES* goes live worldwide on Twitter @Sides Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT –
– Using #MySide, viewers interact and shape the one-hour version of SIDES* airing on Much Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT –
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TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2017 /CNW/ - Do vending machines for the morning after pill promote risky sex? Do emojis make texting better, or worse? #Activism vs #Slacktivism? Bell Media Studios, in partnership with DAIS, ventures into uncharted territory tackling questions important to youth, with the brand-new, social media-first series SIDES*.
The first series of its kind from a Canadian broadcaster, each episode streams live around the world on Twitter @Sides on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, featuring a rotating panel of six teen hosts exploring and debating topics important to them and the series' social media audience.
From political upheaval and leading news stories, to entertainment scandals and life advice, their dynamic and candid conversations allow viewers to listen, learn, and react using the hashtag #MySide. Fans worldwide can continue to engage with SIDES*, and watch clips and additional content 24/7 on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and Facebook.
SIDES* has found early success with its first-ever live stream on October 11 reaching more than 45,000 viewers, with live viewership up by a massive 400% during last night's episode. The new series has also garnered more than half a million impressions on additional clips and videos posted across all social media platforms throughout the week.
Following the live broadcast, a one-hour episode of SIDES* joins Much's revamped lineup of topical, millennial-focused programming on Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. TV episodes highlight the debates from that week's social broadcast, while also incorporating what viewers had to say through tweets, comments, and videos posted using the #MySide hashtag. Each episode also includes host rants and other videos from the cast and guests on additional topics that are important to them. Meet the Cast here!
"An integral part of our approach with SIDES* is its social-first format, which allows us to engage with our viewers in an immediate way about the topics that matter most to them," said Nanci MacLean, Vice-President and Head, Bell Media Studios. "With content being posted every day on the @SIDES social media channels, and the Much broadcast incorporating the conversations happening around each episode, the series is a living thing that our viewers can interact with and help shape from week to week."
"Young people across Canada are increasingly coming to platforms like Twitter for not just the conversation and commentary but also the range of live-streaming video content available," says Michael Palombo, Head of Entertainment Partnerships, Twitter Canada. "A program like SIDES* is tailor-made for Twitter and we have no doubt the program will quickly find an audience amongst the millions of Canadians who use Twitter every day."
In last night's episode, Much Studios creator Michael Rizzi joined the hosts to add his side to the conversation. Guests including Much and E! host Tyrone Edwards and TSN's Cabral "Cabbie" Richards are set to make appearances in upcoming episodes. Past guests also include Instagram artist and author Maria Qamar. Ranging from light to heavy subjects, the hosts break down news stories, voice their opinions, discuss viewer feedback from social media, and share positive stories through a variety of segments including:
Weekly Breakdowns: SIDES* brings viewers up to speed on some of the biggest stories of the week and the context around them.
Okay/No Way: Each host chooses one story they were encouraged by and one they were discouraged by that week.
Got Beef: A host explains who or what they've got beef with that week.
The Upside: The positive stories of the week that caught the hosts' attention.
Onside/Offside: Using thumbs up and thumbs down props, hosts declare whether they think a common thing people do is acceptable or unacceptable.
Adulting: Well-known adult guests answer questions about growing up and share insight into what they've learned.
**Media Note** Photography and screeners are available online at www.bellmedia.ca/pr.
SIDES* is a Bell Media Studios production in partnership with DAIS. The series is executive produced by Michelle Crespi. Kate McKenna is Supervising Producer. Beth Maher is Executive Producer, Digital, Bell Media Studios. Nanci MacLean is Vice-President and Head, Bell Media Studios. Mike Cosentino is President, Content and Programming. Randy Lennox is President, Bell Media.
About Bell Media
Bell Media is Canada's leading content creation company with premier assets in television, radio, out-of-home advertising, and digital media. Bell Media owns 30 local television stations led by CTV, Canada's highest-rated television network; 30 specialty channels, including TSN and RDS, and four pay TV services, including The Movie Network and Super Écran. Bell Media is also Canada's largest radio broadcaster, with 215 music channels including 105 licensed radio stations in 54 markets across the country, all part of the iHeartRadio brand and streaming service. Bell Media owns Astral Out of Home with a network of more than 30,000 advertising faces in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia. Bell Media also operates more than 200 websites; delivers TV Everywhere with its CraveTV and GO video streaming services; operates multi-channel network Much Digital Studios; produces live theatrical shows via its partnership with Iconic Entertainment Studios; and owns Dome Productions Inc., a multi-platform production company. Bell Media is part of BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. For more on Bell Media, please visit www.bellmedia.ca.
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SOURCE Bell Media Studios
Jesse Wanagas, Music and Lifestyle, Bell Media, 416.384.3193 or [email protected]; Adam Slinn, Music and Lifestyle, Bell Media, 416.384.2139 or [email protected]; Amanda Rinaldo, Music and Lifestyle, Bell Media, 416.384.5325 or [email protected]
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