STV and UTV partner up for new documentary simulcast
A unique first-time broadcast partnership between STV and UTV will see the two channels simulcast new documentary Born Fighting.
Starting 1 February, the two-part programme follows American Senator Jim Webb (pictured), author of Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America, as he charts the incredible story of the Scots-Irish, and discusses how this ethnic group forged by war and faith helped build one of the most powerful nations in the world.
The documentary is a co-production between STV, UTV and Smithsonian Channel, with the three production teams following Senator Webb's journey across Scotland, Ireland and America.
Alan Clements, director of content at STV, commented that the collaboration has delivered “a fascinating and revealing series”.
“I am delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Senator Webb on this exciting project, and I think viewers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and America will be compelled by his personal journey to explore the trail of the Scots-Irish,” he added.
While UTV managing director Michael Wilson said: "I am delighted to have forged this production partnership with STV and Smithsonian to make a great programme relevant to all our audiences. Senator Webb's book is a very personal view of the journey from Scotland, through Ulster and to America of his ancestors. His history of the Scots-Irish and their success in America will be fascinating to many of UTV's viewers and Born Fighting captures the essence of their history in a beautifully produced series.
Born Fighting sees Webb travel from the United States to Scotland and Northern Ireland to tell the forgotten story of the Scots-Irish, tracing their journey from the Romans' attempted invasion which would help form Scotland, through William Wallace's fight for independence to the transformation of Ulster by James VI.
The Senator discusses how the dream of a better life drew Scots out of their homes and brought them to Ulster, and how they eventually came to influence American history and culture. From the strong Scots-Irish influence on the Bible Belt to the surnames that have endured for centuries and the creation of country music, Webb traces the extraordinary heritage of the Scots-Irish from 17th century Scotland to present day America.