TORONTO – Bell Media Studios is behind a new social media-first series created for youth by youth that is available first on Twitter and then as a linear TV series.
Sides* streams live globally on Twitter @Sides on Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, featuring a rotating panel of six teen hosts exploring and debating topics important to them and the series’ social media audience.
Following the live broadcast, a one-hour episode of Sides* will air on Much Saturdays at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM 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.
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 on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and Facebook.
“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 Bell Media Studios head and VP Nanci MacLean, in the news release. “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,” added Twitter Canada head of entertainment partnerships, Michael Palombo. “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.”
