Behind-the-scenes: BBC Children In Need 2025 at MediaCity

This year’s BBC Children in Need 2025 utilised more than 28,000 sq ft of studio space at MediaCity, across its Content Studio and dock10.

Dock10 powered the on-the-night broadcast and debuted its first-ever external studio light projections, while the Content Studio at MediaCity was the home for all behind-the-scenes digital production.

The Content Studio has a range of spaces including podcast studios. Throughout the show, the studio hosted and produced backstage digital content, interviews, talent interactions, live digital drops and “real-time creative moments that supported the BBC’s on-air narrative and extended the show’s reach across online and social audiences,” says MediaCity.

Talent who filmed within the Content Studio included BBC Children in Need presenters Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Rush and Big Zuu. 

Dock10 served as the operational broadcast hub for BBC Children in Need, enabling teams to capture, shape and distribute the night’s most powerful moments.

Inside dock10, the post-production team delivered more than 40 VT films to the live show over the four weeks leading up to transmission.

The post-production team scaled from four to 14 edit suites, supported by five dubbing suites dedicated to the appeal’s content.

MediaCity’s studios also took centre stage during the 2025 broadcast with a series of light projections displayed on the exterior of the studio for the first time, including this year’s money-raised totaliser.

Andy Waters, head of studios at MediaCity, said: “The Content Studio delivering the behind-the-scenes digital production for BBC Children in Need 2025, on top of the on the night show broadcast from dock10 at MediaCity, showcased not only the technical capabilities of our studios, but also the power of creative collaboration. We were honoured to help bring audiences closer to the magic, emotion and energy of this year’s appeal.”

Tommy Nagra, director of content, BBC Children in Need, added: “Partnering with MediaCity’s Content Studio added an innovative dimension to our big Friday night live show, firmly rooting our presence in Salford and extending our ambition to reach new audiences. Their world-class facilities and creative teams enabled us to extend the life, reach and impact of our broadcast across all digital platforms. We are super grateful for their contribution to a hugely successful 2025 appeal.”

Caroline Aikman, director of marketing & place at MediaCity, said: “We are immensely proud to be the home of BBC Children in Need and hosting the behind the scenes of such an iconic broadcast within MediaCity’s Content Studio highlights our growing role in shaping the future of live, hybrid and digital-first storytelling. Children In Need thrives at MediaCity – a creative community where talent, technology, and purpose come together to make a national impact.”