BBC Picks Up Political Competition Format from Distraction

MONTREAL, January 28: BBC
has acquired the reality political competition format The Next Great Leader from Distraction, with additional options for the
show inked in South Africa and Holland.

The Next Great Leader watches four finalists, who are young adults chosen
from a nationwide search, compete in a contest-style political debate for a
$50,000 prize in front of a live voting audience and judging panel of former
leaders. The format, originally produced by Magna International and the CBC,
will begin airing its second season on March 23.

Michel Rodrigue, the CEO
of Distraction, commented: “The Next Great Leader is the best example of reality prime-time
programming that not only entertains, but educates viewers to the challenges
our leaders are facing, and the necessity to develop the leaders of the
future.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski