The Spinoff launches ‘Now You Know’ explainer series to cater to young audiences on social platforms

The Spinoff has announced the launch of “Now You Know,” a brand new explainer video series designed to deliver reliable, regular and relevant news content to young New Zealanders where they consume media most.

 

Starting this week, The Spinoff will release three explainer videos every week about issues that matter to young people. The series will be published on The Spinoff’s TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, with videos also hosted on www.thespinoff.co.nz.

The initiative comes as news consumption patterns shift dramatically among younger demographics.

“Over half of 18-24 year olds and 50% of 25-34 year olds now identify social media and video networks as their main source of news in the United States, with similar trends globally,” says Toby Manhire, series executive producer. “While New Zealand wasn’t surveyed in the Reuters Institute Digital News report, it’s safe to assume these trends are being replicated here.”

Anna Rawhiti-Connell, head of audience at The Spinoff emphasised the importance of meeting audiences where they are: “NZ On Air’s 2024 Where the Audiences Are survey showed global video sharing platforms reach 90% of 15-24-year-olds,” she said. “Rather than viewing this shift with concern, we see it as an opportunity to meet people where they are. For The Spinoff, serving different audiences isn’t an or, but an and.”

The series is made with support from NZ On Air.

“It’s great to have NZ On Air support for work that is aimed at reaching underserved audiences,” says Rawhiti-Connell. “This funding allows us to create content that serves young New Zealanders in the formats and platforms they prefer.”

Award-winning creator Robbie Nicol, known for his web series “White Man Behind A Desk” and as writer and host of RNZ’s “The Citizen’s Handbook,” will write and front many of the videos. “I wanted to be involved because there’s a real need for reliable, accessible news content that speaks to young people in formats they actually engage with,” Nicol said. “This series is about breaking down complex issues in ways that are both informative and genuinely useful.”

The “Now You Know” series aims to create reliable, regular and relevant news explainers specifically for audiences aged 18-24, while remaining welcoming to viewers of all ages. The initiative represents The Spinoff’s continued commitment to innovation in digital journalism and audience engagement.

Now You Know is produced by The Spinoff and is made with the support of NZ On Air.

Video journalist: Robbie Nicol
Producer: Jin Fellet
Editor: Isaiah Tour
Executive Producers: Sophie Dowson, Toby Manhire, Anna Rawhiti-Connell