Sky And Adobe Partner With Kick It Out For Schools Project

Sky and Adobe have announced the launch of The Edit for a second year. The programme for schools aims to help close the digital divide by improving the digital and media literacy skills of young people across the UK and Ireland. 

This year, the pair have teamed up with anti-discrimination charity Kick it Out to challenge students to create a news story which celebrates heroes who have fought for a more equal society. 

The broadcaster says the partnership is part of the £3 million investment package it committed to Kick it Out last year.  

Using Adobe’s creative tools and Sky’s content, the programme will see young people shoot, produce, and edit a short news report about someone they feel has made the world a more equal place. They will then be challenged to explain how they are inspired by their heroes’ actions. 

Students will also be encouraged to ‘take a stand’ against discrimination, with the winning entries being broadcast on Sky and the winning school receiving free Adobe Creative Cloud licenses  

“The Edit helps break down barriers that can make the path to a media career only accessible to a fraction of young people,” said Stephen van Rooyen, Executive Vice President and CEO, UK & Europe, Sky.

“The first year was a resounding success, reaching more young people than we imagined and from communities that have been historically shut out of the media industry. 

“Because every child, in every community, should have access to digital programmes. The Edit can help them find their voice and build on the essential digital skills that the future of our economies relies upon. 

“It’s also a privilege to continue to support Kick it Out’s incredible work to champion inclusion and combat discrimination. At Sky, we’re committed to using our voice and content as a force for good and dedicated to building a more inclusive society for future generations.” 

The first year of the programme reached some 40,000 students across the UK and Ireland with 45% of schools that used the programme in low-income areas. Sky says year two will aim to continue bridging the digital divide as well as nurturing a new generation of talent.

Students taking part learn about the different roles involved in the news production process, and receive tips and tricks from Sky Sports and Sky News experts. 

Tony Burnett, CEO, Kick It Out, said: “It’s great to be able to continue our partnership with Sky, by giving thousands of young people the opportunity to learn new skills, whilst also championing equality and diversity. Access to experience within the media industry should be accessible to all, despite their background, and The Edit is helping to give young people that much needed opportunity.” 

According to Sky, the move is also part of its broader commitment to help tackle racial injustice. The broadcaster recently announced a £10 million per year investment across its markets through to 2023 to support anti-racism and improve diversity and inclusion.