Liberty News

Breaking News from 2013, every minute of every day: an extended world experience for Spooks: Code 9, designed by Six to Start and Kudos for the BBC.

Set in 2013 after a nuclear bomb has destroyed London, Spooks: Code 9 created a fascinating world for primetime viewers. We extended that world with Liberty News (not accessible in the US), an online news site where viewers could read articles and contribute their own content about the UK in 2013.

In a first, updates on Liberty News occurred simultaneously with the live TV broadcast. Seconds after an explosion on the show, Liberty News would update with a breaking news story with additional information, photos, videos and comments.

Viewers and critics alike praised the immersive and live nature of the website – particularly the Twitter text message updates. With the target 16-24 audience often surfing the web at the same time as watching TV, Liberty News was the perfect way of extending the drama and action of Spooks: Code 9 onto the internet.

The Numbers

Liberty News outperformed other extended world experiences, with:

  • 10% of Spooks: Code 9 viewers visited the website
  • 8 pageviews per visit, demonstrating deep and ‘sticky’ engagement.

What People Said

Left Right
“With such energy fizzing throughout its online extensions, the question is no longer what these web offerings can add to the television experience. Rather, will the televisual adventures of these maverick young MI5 operatives live up to Spooks Code 9′s multi-layered web of online activity?”

The Guardian (7 August 2008)

“The real shock however is the quality of the spin offs … which in this case boils down to a diverting fake “news from 2013″ website.”

Private Eye (22 August 2008)

“I’m actually very impressed with how they are using Liberty News during the show, plus its associated Twitter feed.. Stories are added to the site in real time, reflecting what is happening on the screen.”

Behind the Buzz (10 August 2008)

Liberty News was also featured in the Radio Times and Broadcast Magazine.

Exploring Liberty News

Liberty News featured a vast variety of articles, interactive games and online live chats:

  • Articles: “MI5 targets 20-something recruits”, “Hostage situation at Union Star Bank”, “Becks to compete in The Open” and “Glastonbury to be bigger than ever” – Liberty News painted a vivid picture of life after a nuclear bomb, through 130 entertaining articles and banner adverts.
  • Interactives: How big was the nuclear blast? Would your house have survived? Viewers could find out by viewing our interactive radiation map of London. Other interactives asked viewers to shop for supplies in case of another nuclear attack, and vote on new cities to house London’s displaced population.
  • Live: Along with the constant live updates during and in between episodes, viewers were able to participate in a live webchat with the (fictional) editors of Liberty News, just as the security services forcibly shut down the website for revealing sensitive information…
  • User-generated: Liberty News was a completely open website, with viewers encouraged to contribute comments, photos, videos and pictures. Enthusiastic viewers got into character immediately, posting comments as if they really were in 2013.
Liberty News is no longer viewable online, but you can watch a five-minute screencast below.