Channel 5 introduces ‘Everyday Sustainability’ across its programming schedule  

• The channel will adapt storytelling across all genres to inspire viewers to live more sustainable lives
• The initiative builds on Paramount UK’s ‘Peak Sustainability’ climate strategy launched last October
• Brand new C5 series sees Robson Green explore the Amazon Rainforest 
  

London: Thursday 12th October 2023: Channel 5 today announces ‘Everyday Sustainability’, an editorial drive to inspire, encourage and support its viewers to live more sustainable lives, by integrating environmental themes seamlessly across its entire programming schedule. 

The channel will adapt its approach to storytelling across all genres to include new sustainability angles in returning drama and factual tentpoles, like Dalgleish, Amazing Railway Adventures with Nick Knowles, Shop Smart, Save Money and the …On The Farm franchise. These will grow alongside Channel 5’s expanding library of prestige programmes tackling environmental issues directly, such as Swimming in Sewage: Britain’s Water Scandal, Ice Age and brand-new three-part series Into The Amazon With Robson Green (w/t) which follows the acclaimed actor’s epic journey into the Amazon Rainforest to explore one of the world's most captivating and diverse ecosystems. 

‘Everyday Sustainability’ will also challenge the channel’s commissioners find creative ways of incorporating on-screen references in programmes that don’t naturally lend themselves to discussion of sustainability issues, such as its slate of ‘blue light’ shows- promoting green knowledge with a gentle touch.   

To support the rollout of ‘Everyday Sustainability’, Channel 5 will work with production companies to implement procedures designed to track environmental references on screen, pre- and post-production. At the start of each project creative conversations between commissioners and independent producers will explore where sustainability can best feature in programme narratives and  end of series reports will highlight where sustainability featured in the final show. This editorial tracking will complement work already underway to reduce the environmental impact of the broadcaster’s productions.   

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer, UK, at Paramount Global said: “Our aim is to normalise environmental awareness across all our storytelling – through a line, a scene, a visual, a shot – anything that allows us to keep  this important issue front of mind for viewers, without lecturing. We are taking a natural approach to bring audiences along with us, in keeping with the tone and style of Channel 5. The support of our indie partners is critical to this plan, so we will work closely with them to embed these references until it becomes second nature across our schedule.”   

The ‘Everyday Sustainability’ initiative builds on a commitment made last year by Paramount UK, Channel 5’s parent company, to integrate positive environmental themes across its UK output as part of its climate strategy, ‘Peak Sustainability.’ Increasing the volume of sustainability messaging in UK content was one of seven pledges in Paramount UK’s climate action plan, alongside a broader set of operational and production targets to limit the company’s environmental impact. Set up as a pilot programme with Paramount Global, learnings from Peak Sustainability are helping to shape ongoing, company-wide efforts to embed responsible and sustainable business practices.   

Maria Kyriacou, President, Broadcast & Studios, International Markets, at Paramount Global said: “As a global company and one with UK public service responsibility, we are harnessing the power of our content to influence our viewer’s behavior. With ‘Everyday Sustainability’ in the UK, we will be shifting our narrative approach in a way that fits in with Channel 5’s accessible brand and our deep connection with our audience.”

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Press contact: Claire Cumberland - Claire.cumberland@paramount.com   

About Channel 5   

Channel 5 is a public service broadcaster and the UK’s third largest commercial TV station. Launched in March 1997, Channel 5 has been part of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) since its acquisition in September 2014. 

Channel 5 and its digital brands – 5STAR, 5USA, 5SELECT, 5ACTION and the on-demand service My5 – offer a diverse range of issue-led documentaries & popular factual celebrating the British countryside and drawing talent to the channel, accessible history, premium drama and critically-acclaimed children’s, news and current affairs programming. Through its agenda-driving commissions, Channel 5 leads on societal issues from inequality to homelessness and mental health, aiming to tell the story of modern Britain by reflecting the lives of people across the nation.      

In 2018, Channel 5 won its first BAFTA for Cruising with Jane McDonald. The following year, Raped: My Story won best Single Documentary at RTS. In 2020, it won crowned Channel of the Year at the Broadcast Awards and by the RTS. In addition that year, it secured its first ever Grierson award win in the ‘Best Single Documentary – Domestic’ category with Suicidal: In Our Own Words. In 2021, it won best factual entertainment at the Broadcast Awards for Springtime on the Farm. It also won best drama at Voice of the Listener & Viewer for All Creatures Great and Small the same year.