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The BBC Young Reporter Competition is a UK-wide youth journalism award run by the BBC. It invites people aged 11 to 18 to share original story ideas for potential broadcast across BBC platforms. The initiative aims to amplify young voices and develop media literacy and storytelling skills among future journalists.
Key facts Organizer: BBC
Eligible ages: 11-18
Focus: Youth journalism and storytelling
Launched: 2017 (as part of BBC Young Reporter program)
Coverage: UK-wide schools, colleges, and youth organizations
Purpose and Format The competition encourages young people to pitch real, untold, or underreported stories from their own experiences or communities. Winning entrants work with BBC producers and journalists to develop and broadcast their stories on outlets such as BBC News, BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat, or BBC Three. It supports digital, audio, and video storytelling formats.
Educational and Social Impact The competition complements the broader BBC Young Reporter initiative, which provides media workshops, classroom resources, and outreach events. It promotes journalism as a career path, helps participants develop research and interviewing skills, and encourages critical engagement with media. The program also highlights diverse youth perspectives on topics such as mental health, environment, and social change.
Recognition and Legacy Winning stories gain national exposure through the BBC’s online and broadcast channels, giving young people a professional platform for their ideas. The competition has produced award-winning reports that have contributed to public conversations about youth experiences in the UK. It continues to evolve with digital storytelling and social media engagement to reach new audiences.
