OU’s win for ‘Zelensky Story’ at prestigious Broadcast Awards gala event

Posted on 8 February 2025 • TV and radio

A three-part Open University/BBC documentary about Volodymyr Zelensky – comedian, actor and president – has won the Best Specialist Factual Programme category at the 2025 Broadast Awards.

The powerful documentary featured interviews with his close friends, allies, wife Olena Zelenska, and, before the war, Zelensky in his previous entertainer role, interposed with Ukraine’s current reality and his crucial role today.

Behind the scenes, the OU’s Dr Precious Chatterje-Doody, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Studies who specialises in communication, misinformation, and security, particularly in Russia, was one of the OU’s academic consultants on the programme.

One of the episodes featured one of the most powerful social-media film clips of Zelensky and his trusted war team telling the whole of Ukraine at the outbreak of hostilities that they were staying put with them to lead and fight the war.

Precious said:

“I think audiences really appreciated the fantastic access that the programme had to top members of the Ukrainian administration – including Zelensky himself. Part of the reason it was so effective is that the film helped to bring out the human side of the war.”

Caroline Ogilvie, Director of Broadcast and Partnerships at the OU, said:

“Once again, OU academics and our B&P team are instrumental in helping to ensure the authenticity of these factual BBC programmes. Being part of this winning team, alongside the production company, 72 Films, is a real honour.”

Further information and a look at how 12 stories shaped Ukraine can be found on the OU’s Broadcast site OU Connect.

OU/BBC co-productions are commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie.

Picture credit: Leo Fawkes, 72 Films