YouTube Beats TV: 'Chicken Shop Date' Rivals Graham Norton

Amelia Dimoldenberg's YouTube show 'Chicken Shop Date' has become a prominent platform for celebrities, rivaling traditional TV chat shows. The show, which started in 2014, now ranks alongside Graham Norton's chatshow or BBC Radio 1 for celebrities seeking media cut-through. Dimoldenberg has shared the ketchup with Ed Sheeran, Charli xcx, and Jennifer Lawrence on her show, and even Paul McCartney appeared on the show in a vegan chicken shop this year.

Dimoldenberg's success is not limited to her show. She has also launched a free summer academy called Dimz Inc. Academy for 18 to 24-year-olds from underserved communities interested in the creative industries. The first program saw 18 young people create their own show concepts and learn production skills, with graduates going on to land jobs at YCUK, the BBC, and Google. This year's program was expanded to four weeks and centered around the theme of Love Letters.

The rise of 'Chicken Shop Date' marks a shift in the media landscape, with digital platforms like YouTube gaining influence, especially among under-35s. Dimoldenberg's show has become a cultural touchstone, with nearly 3 million followers on YouTube. Her success is a prime example of how digital platforms have radically reshaped the media world, with viewers across all ages switching to YouTube.

## What changed Dimoldenberg's journey to success was not easy. She started her show in 2014, but it took years to persuade mainstream celebrities to come on. However, after years of rejection, Dimoldenberg has reached a watershed moment, with her show now ranking alongside traditional TV chat shows. She has said that she has achieved her goal of making 'Chicken Shop Date' as important as going on Graham Norton or Radio 1.

## Why it matters The success of 'Chicken Shop Date' has significant implications for the media industry. It shows that digital platforms like YouTube can rival traditional TV chat shows in terms of influence and reach. This shift in the media landscape is likely to continue, with digital platforms gaining more influence, especially among under-35s. Dimoldenberg's success also highlights the importance of providing opportunities for young people from underserved communities to develop their skills and pursue careers in the creative industries.

Dimoldenberg's inspiration for creating 'Chicken Shop Date' came from her experience attending a youth club 16 years ago. She has said that the benefits of attending the youth club were immense, and she wanted to create something similar for young people herself. The launch of Dimz Inc. Academy is a fulfillment of this dream, and it has already shown promising results, with graduates going on to land jobs at top companies.