BBC Three
’s monthly live current affairs debate programme, Free Speech, returns with a new presenter at 8pm on Wednesday 13th February, live from Swansea.
Rick Edwards, who presented the C4 Paralympics coverage last summer, takes over as chair of the interactive show which this month will tackle the issue of long-term unemployment.
The Office of National Statistics said in November 2012 that the number of those out of work for over a year had hit 894,000, while 443,000 people had been jobless for over two years.
Amongst the panel facing questions from the studio audience is London Grime artist Devlin who is known for incorporating conspiracy theories and politics into his music, and leader of Plaid Cymru Leanne Wood.
Also under discussion will be online safety and the recent reports of slut-shaming. A film based on the issues raised throughout the programme will be included in the show, made by young people alongside BBC Learning’s The Lab.
The panel will take questions from the studio audience of 18-25 year-olds whilst viewers at home will be able to interact via social media and show what they think of the panel via the Free Speech Power Bar.
Radio 1’s Breakfast news and sports presenter, Tina Daheley, will be taking the role of Social Media Jockey, speaking up for the web responses and online comments.
Follow the debate and get involved via bbc.co.uk/freespeech; facebook.com/bbcfreespeech; @bbcfreespeech; #freespeech
For more information please contact Sally Kent at Plank PR on 020 8995 3945 or sally@plankpr.com