Shots! documentaries

The vinyl revival

24m

The resurgence of vinyl records is a cultural sensation, so we talk to collectors, DJs and record store owners to find out why.

Last Orders: The Death of Nightlife?

22m

The country's night time economy is facing multiple threats after a series of crises. We take a look at how businesses are coping, and what needs to be done.

The State of Education: A system close to crisis

36m

Crumbling school buildings, teacher strikes and the ongoing cost of living crisis are all big issues impacting the state of education across the UK.<br /><br />The country is facing a teacher shortage, and heads say they will be in financial deficit next academic year, even without the cuts planned by Jeremy Hunt.<br /><br />Meanwhile, as well as funding, pay and workload are key issues at the heart of the escalating dispute between unions and the government.<br /><br />In this programme we’ll look closely at the issues facing education in a post-covid country.<br />

The State of the Streets: Are Our High Streets in Crisis?

24m

Shoppers in cities and towns up and down the land could be forgiven for thinking the high streets are experiencing a crisis; a fight for life.<br /><br />After Wilko's sad demise, we sent our reporters out to check the temperatures and feel the pulse of a number of high streets around the country, and try to gain a diagnosis from shoppers on the ground.<br /><br />

Bankrupt Birmingham: The story behind Europe's biggest council financial crisis

24m

Shots! and BirminghamWorld.com delve into the financial crisis facing Birmingham City Council.

The Lockerbie Disaster: 35 years on

22m

It was Britain's worst ever terror atrocity - the 21st of December, 1988, when the Lockerbie disaster claimed the lives of 270 people. This special feature looks back at the tragedy and looks at how the community has rebuilt in the decades since.

HS2: The Fallout

12m

After Rishi Sunak's announcement this week on the cancellation of the HS2 rail project, we talk to political leaders, commentators and the general public in Scotland and the north of England on what it means for them, and what it might mean for the prime minister and his party.

Grief: The agony of knife crime in the Black Country

47m

In the heart-wrenching documentary 'Grief,' delve into the stark realities of knife crime gripping the Black Country as two grieving parents, a mother and a father, bravely share their haunting stories of loss.

The Disappearance of Charlene Downes

52m

On the 20th anniversary of her disappearance, we take an in-depth look at the story of Charlene Downes who disappeared on 1 November 2003, when she was 14, from her home town of Blackpool.<br />

"My American XL Bully is on death row": Dangerous dogs or pets in peril?

20m

After a spate of high-profile dog attacks and a Government announcement that XL bully breeds are to be banned in the UK, we take a closer look into the issue, and speak to an owner who says his dog is ‘the most caring, loving and playful baby’.

The Street Pastors of Preston

24m

On the penultimate Saturday night before Christmas, we join the Street Pastors on their rounds in Preston City Centre, as they celebrate their 15th anniversary of looking after the homeless and drinkers of the city's nightlife

We're on the Pier documentary

44m

A look at all things great and good about Brighton's historic Pier.

The Miners' Strike and Wearside: 40 Years On

36m

2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the Miners' Strike. Sunderland Echo reporter Chris Cordner speaks to some of the Wearside folk who were involved about the events and their legacy.

Michael Sundin: The Gateshead Lad Who Went to Oz: Pt 1

36m

The first of a three-part documentary on the life of Michael Sundin, a Gateshead-born athlete and performer who had an unusual role in the 1985 film Return to Oz.<br />Michael's story is told by a number of his family and friends, including his brother David, and Stonewall co-founder Lord Cashman.

Michael Sundin: The Gateshead Lad Who Went to Oz: Pt 2

48m

The second episode of a three-part documentary on the life of Michael Sundin, a Gateshead-born athlete and performer who had an unusual role in the 1985 film Return to Oz.<br />Michael's story is told by a number of his family and friends, and in this episode, his time on flagship BBC children's show Blue Peter is discussed by author Richard Marson - himself a former Blue Peter editor.

Michael Sundin: The Gateshead Lad Who Went to Oz: Pt 3

48m

The conclusion of a three-part documentary on the life of Michael Sundin, a Gateshead-born athlete and performer who had an unusual role in the 1985 film Return to Oz.<br />Michael's story is told by a number of his family and friends, as well as in extracts from his correspondence.

Duke Harrison-Hunter: Life behind bars

23m

Reformed gang member and award-winning youth worker Duke Harrison-Hunter talks about his prison experiences both in the UK and America.