Between 2015 and 2020, Great Big Story created mini-docs, series, and films about our extraordinary world and the people who inhabit it. The YouTube channel was launched by CNN and documented thousands of stories from more than 100 countries, winning awards and attracting global critical acclaim.
But then, in 2020, the channel unexpectedly shut down, and CNN announced that they would cease production. For the millions of dedicated followers of GBS (Great Big Story), this was an incredible loss and a heartbreaking piece of news to receive during the pandemic at a time when the type of fascinating, uplifting content was most needed.
whynow’s founder, Gabriel Jagger, has long been a GBS admirer and enthusiast, and so the news that CNN was lowering the curtains on the project came as a shock. But it was also an opportunity.
“I’ve been a fan of Great Big Story for many years,” Gabe said, “I wanted whynow to take on the brand because the optimistic look at the world and remarkable feats of storytelling are what we champion here, so who better to take on the challenge of telling the best Great Big Stories from around the globe?”
whynow will be re-launching GBS in early 2023, in partnership with CNN International Commercial, with new content showing the most inspiring stories from all over the world. From our base in London, our production team will be working with crews worldwide to keep telling the engaging, captivating, and exceptional video features already loved by GBS audiences.
Phil Nelson, Chief Operating Officer at CNN International Commercial, said: “Licensing Great Big Story to whynow will breathe fresh life into the brand and product by amplifying the rich archive and creating a new slate of content. We look forward to working with whynow as they take Great Big Story into a new era and excite fans all over the world with new stories of wonder and curiosity.”
And don’t forget! – whynow welcomes pitches from creatives for the Great Big Stories they want to tell. Ideas can be sent via our website: whynowmedia.com. The Great Big Story website will feature new content in the coming weeks.
