The BBC has unveiled AI Unpacked, a week of programming focused on exploring AI that will run across TV, iPlayer, radio, BBC Sounds, and online.
Set for March 2 to 8, AI Unpacked will deliver content focused on the big questions about AI and practical tips for using it at home and at work.
Kate Phillips, chief content officer at the BBC, noted, “AI Unpacked Week builds on the BBC’s work on educating U.K. audiences about AI and its place in society. Across TV, radio, and digital, we have a range of dedicated AI programming to inform and excite audiences about the rise of this new technology. From grief tech in EastEnders, to a Panorama special on the advance of robotics, to BBC Bitesize guides for teenagers.”
A key part of the strand is a three-part doc, AI Confidential, co-produced by The Open University and hosted by Professor Hannah Fry. A Panorama special will dig into AI implementation in the workforce, addressing fears about employees being replaced by robots, while Tech Now will broadcast a special AI compilation. The popular soap EastEnders will feature a character using AI to cope with grief, and season three of The Capture will feature a storyline about deepfakes.
For younger audiences, Bitesize will provide practical advice and guidance to teens. Caretakers will receive a special episode of CBeebies Parenting Download focused on parenting and AI.
“As we stand at the brink of a major technological revolution, the BBC will play a vital role in being a trusted destination for advice, insight, and engagement for all audiences,” said Phillips.
“For many, AI is now a part of everyday life,” said Peter Archer, program director of Gen AI at the BBC, referencing the pubcaster’s latest research, conducted with IPSOS UK. While mostly used by younger audiences, AI usage is picking up quickly among the 55-plus set. And attitudes are changing quickly, with consumers increasingly comfortable using AI.
However, “the use of AI in media remains a key concern,” Archer said. “In areas like news, culture, and storytelling, audiences expect a human touch and worry that if AI takes too strong a role, it could undermine trust, replace human creativity, and distort what’s real. In particular, AI remains highly contentious in news, fueling fears of misinformation and loss of trust.”
