BBC Academy Live presents BBC Verify on Tour
Bringing media literacy to life for young people through workshops, expert insights and inspiring career conversations both in-person and online!
Register for the next Verify on Tour livestream: 25th FebruaryBBC Academy Live presents BBC Verify on Tour is a nationwide outreach initiative - delivered both in-person and virtually - for schools, colleges, and sixth forms. These events are designed to help young people develop essential skills and knowledge to navigate the world of digital media.
The Academy, in collaboration with universities and the BBC Verify team, ensure each event features in-person expert-led interactive workshops, and online engaging discussions with journalists, fact-checkers, and digital content creators.
Participants gain a behind-the-scenes look at how BBC Verify’s specialist team investigates and verifies stories. This helps young people identify misinformation, understand bias, and evaluate trustworthy sources. It’s not just about decoding headlines - it’s about building the confidence to question, challenge, and think critically.
A key focus of the events is to highlight the wide range of roles within the media industry and the pathways available for those interested in a media career. Attendees can expect inspiring career talks and exclusive conversations with professionals who have made their mark in journalism, storytelling, and digital content creation.
Whether young people are curious about content creation or considering a future in news, these events offer a wealth of inspiration, practical insights and opportunities to explore the ever-changing media landscape.
Aims of the project
For young people to be inspired to think critically, challenge creatively, and shape the future of the media industry.
What young people will learn
- How to spot fake news and understand media bias
- Ways to evaluate trustworthy sources
- The importance of critical thinking in the digital age
What to expect
- Interactive workshops with BBC Verify experts
- Behind-the-scenes insights into how stories are verified
- Live conversations with journalists, fact-checkers, and content creators
- Career talks and apprenticeship advice from those working in the industry
Why your group should attend
Whether they're curious about content creation or considering a future in news, these events offer:
- Inspiration and ideas
- Industry insights
- Pathways into media careers and BBC Apprenticeships
Hear from the experts
- Meet professionals who’ve made their mark in the media industry
- Discover what steps to take towards a career in journalism, content creation, storytelling and more!
Register now for our next virtual event 25th February
Here’s what we have coming up next that you and your group can be part of online.
University of Strathclyde: Wednesday 25 February 2026
Coming live from the University of Strathclyde
10:15 - 10:55 | BBC VERIFY MASTERCLASS: 'Filter the Fakes' In a time when trusted news and navigating an overwhelming amount of information is more challenging than ever, the BBC Verify’s masterclass enhances young people’s news literacy and critical thinking skills. By the end of the masterclass, the aim is that they start thinking more critically about what they read, see and hear online and on social media, and to consider the source of this information and whether to believe it or share it. Led by BBC Verify Journalist Paul Brown. |
11:45 – 12:30 | INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: Producing Long-Form Audio and Combating Misinformation Join journalist and audio producer John Offord, for an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at crafting powerful long-form audio investigations. Using a BBC World Service documentary case study produced by John, we will deconstruct the narrative-exploring the central question, story structure, and editorial decisions about what to include or leave out for ethical, legal, or editorial reasons. The session will place a strong emphasis on identifying and countering misinformation. Participants will learn practical tools to fact-check, verify sources, and produce accurate, responsible audio stories that centre marginalised voices, develop compelling storytelling, and encourage critical thinking about truth and ethics in journalism. |
13:35 - 14:15 | MEDIA CAREERS PANEL: Insights into working in the creative industry Curious about what it’s really like to work in news and media? This session pulls back the curtain on BBC Verify, BBC News, and the wider creative industry-including exciting opportunities like BBC apprenticeships. You’ll hear directly from a panel of industry professionals as they share their career journeys, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical tips to help you kick-start your own path in media. Whether you're dreaming of becoming a journalist, producer, or something in between, this is your chance to get inspired and informed! Hosted by BBC Presenter, Sarah McMullan, with a panel of guest speakers from the BBC and other media related organisations. |
14:25 – 15:05 | PRODUCTION Q&A WITH THE NFTS: Cloaks, Daggers, and Dressmaking: A Storytelling Masterclass with The Traitors & The Great British Sewing Bee What could BBC hit The Traitors - a gripping social deduction game based in the stunning Ardross Castle in Scotland - have in common with a show about sewing, The Great British Sewing Bee? One is a show about “Faithful” and “Traitors,” and using strategy, trust, and deception to claim a grand prize. and the other is about... well sewing! But there’s more to it than meets the eye. What both these shows have in common are great stories. Stories with great characters going on dramatic personal journeys, overcoming challenges, navigating the jeopardy and creating some of television's most intense and talked about TV moments, in order to win the prize. Join this session to find out about the role of the Story Producer - the people responsible for keeping us on the edge of our seats and hooked on these well-known shows. To tell all will be: • Cheryl Richardson – Story Producer: The Great British Sewing Bee • Rebecca Morris – Producer: The Traitors |
Register now for the next event
WEDNESDAY 25th MARCH coming live from Nottingham Trent University |
Watch back past events
You can see the media careers talks and production Q&As from past BBC Verify on Tour events here.
