Guardian Studios will launch its first show in November with The Close Up, a twice-weekly culture series hosted by journalist Carys Afoko and Guardian senior culture writer Lanre Bakare.
The ongoing series will be released in video and audio formats on the Guardian’s website and platforms including YouTube and Spotify. Industry experts and celebrity guests will join the hosts to discuss cultural news, new releases and the workings of the entertainment and arts sectors.
Coverage will range from the Booker Prize and reality television to the Met Gala, Saturday Night Live, Oscar campaigns and the art world.
The launch marks the first release from Guardian Studios, established earlier this year as a creative hub for video-first, personality-led journalism. The division forms part of the Guardian’s multi-year transformation programme, with a remit to develop visual formats, reach new audiences and build on-screen talent.
Afoko said: “Culture shapes how we understand ourselves and the world around us. The Close Up will take a serious look at culture without taking ourselves too seriously. I’m thrilled to be making the show with Lanre and the brilliant Guardian Studios team.”
Bakare has covered culture at the Guardian for 15 years across print, digital and podcasts. He said: “The Close Up is the perfect next step in the Guardian’s culture coverage at a time when audiences are looking for new ways to learn about the world. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been cooking up.”
Leah Green, head of Guardian Studios, said: “The show will bring audiences closer to the cultural stories shaping our lives, combining the thoughtful analysis, curiosity and expertise they expect from the Guardian, from a hosting duo with bags of chemistry and charisma.”
