New OU led films for BBC Morning Live

Posted on 9 February 2024 • Around the OU, Education, languages and health, TV and radio

The Open University (OU) have led on six films in partnership with the BBC for the popular BBC ONE show Morning Live.

The films will explore a broad range of topics such as demystifying cognitive behavioural therapy and muscle loss and will feature on Morning Live which broadcasts daily from 09.30 on BBC One.

The first film ‘Healthy’ Options’ airs on Monday 12^th February and focuses on ultra-processed foods, explaining what they are and how to spot them. This will be followed by ‘Lonely Bereavement’ – a film about supporting those who are grieving or have a terminal illness – on Friday 16^th February.

Director of Broadcast and Partnerships, Dr Caroline Ogilvie, said:

“This is the first time we have collaborated on insert films for Morning Live and we are excited to have contributed to some really thought-provoking and informative films through the expertise of our academics”.

Dr Zsuzsanna Barkanyi and Dr Ursula Stickler, the academic consultants for the film ‘Language Learning’ said:

“We have noticed that particularly older students seem to be worried about learning a new language. As we know there is no reason for any concern, since speaking a language is not all or nothing. We are really pleased how it shows the success and the pleasure of language learning at any age and for any purpose.”

The remaining four films will cover the following topics:

‘Language Learning’ explores ways to learn languages and that it’s never too late to start.

‘Demystifying CBT’ aims to break down the barriers to understanding cognitive behavioural therapy.

‘Hydration Aging’ investigates the impacts of dehydration and what it means as we get older.

‘Muscle loss’ looks at muscle loss as we age and how we can combat it with resistance training and protein consumption.

The films were commissioned by Broadcast and Partnerships and are supported by the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies, with particular relevance to Languages, Well Being and Psychology

Commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Director, Broadcast and Partnerships

Academic Consultants:

Dr Zsuzsanna Barkanyi – Language Learning

Dr Joanne Jordan – Lonely Bereavement

Dr Chris Kubiak – Demystifying CBT

Dr Uschi Stickler – Language Learning

Dr Jitka Vseteckova – Hydration Ageing

Nigel Wright – ‘Healthy’ Options & Muscle Loss

Media Fellows: Simon Rea and Prof. Erica Borgstrom

Broadcast Project Manager: Laura Connor 

Supporting Online Content: Matthew Ray & Patrick Kearney

Supporting Online content:

Visit our Broadcast website OU Connect where you can watch each of the films and find interactive articles and videos to explore the film themes further.

NB: the films and their associated content will not be live/available until after each broadcast.