News Licensing has unveiled its debut documentary from its new TV & Film IP Licensing initiative, Poisoned: Killer in the Post, a production in partnership with Channel 4 and Wonderhood Studios. The two-part documentary (2 x 60 minute episodes), which premiered at Sheffield Documentary Festival, follows James Beal, deputy investigations editor at The Times, as he delves into the story of Kenneth Law, the Canadian man accused of supplying a poisonous chemical linked to multiple suicides around the world.
News Licensing says this milestone underscores its commitment to its contemporary and rich archive content, sourced from news brands such as The Times and The Sunday Times. With Poisoned: Killer in the Post, News Licensing says it demonstrates how its content can transcend traditional formats, reaching new audiences with a new way to engage with journalism.
At a time when artificial intelligence is flooding the storytelling landscape with artificial content, News Licensing stands apart bringing fact-based, well researched narratives to screens, added the publisher. Amid the growing threat of disinformation, News UK’s news brands serve as trustworthy sources, offering production partners credible and impactful stories, the publisher continued.
According to News Licensing, the partnership on this project with Channel 4 and Wonderhood Studios exemplifies the potential for collaboration between the journalism and production industries. By leveraging the investigative groundwork of News UK’s journalists - stories already backed by verified sources - producers can focus on bringing these stories to life for new audiences.
This collaboration also signals a new era for factual storytelling, where the lines between journalism and entertainment align to create content that resonates with modern audiences. As production companies seek quality stories to captivate viewers, News Licensing says it emerges as a trusted partner, bridging the gap between investigative journalism and on-screen storytelling.
Poisoned: Killer in the Post illustrates the creative partnership between publication, podcast, production and broadcasting. It represents a step forward in how trusted journalism can be reimagined to not only inform but also captivate audiences.
The first episode of the two-part documentary aired on 9 July on Channel 4 at 9pm, with the second part airing on 10 July at the same time.
Robin Ashton, director rights licensing & archive, News UK said: “The value of original, trusted content has never been more critical. We’re thrilled to see our journalism being reimagined for television and film, offering audiences new perspectives on the stories that matter. Poisoned: Killer in the Post is a testament to the power of combining journalistic integrity with cinematic storytelling to shine a light on critical issues for society.
“It has been a privilege to work with Channel 4 and Wonderhood in bringing James Beal’s extraordinary investigation to life. It gives audiences a new perspective on the amazing work journalists do in investigating these types of stories, whilst providing an alternative platform for The Times to present its trusted journalism."
Richard Halliwell, film & TV IP development, News UK said: “News UK has a vast treasure trove of content to share with audiences. This documentary debut showcases the immense potential of our IP in the film and TV space, and we are thrilled about the opportunities ahead to collaborate and co-produce with talented creators to deliver content that resonates with global audiences.”
Tom Garton, director of development, Wonderhood said: “James Beal and The Times’ investigation gave a crucial voice to grieving families, who were left seeking answers in the wake of the tragic suicides of their loved ones. We are honoured to work with James and The Times to tell these families’ stories, and hope that this important documentary can help raise awareness of the potential dangers of online forums.”
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