November 02, 2026
First Choice goes international: Slovak public broadcaster STVR acquires VRT election format
What happens when first-time voters put politicians in the hot seat? VRT’s political format “First Choice” gives young people the floor, inviting them to ask politicians the questions that matter most to their generation. Following its success in Belgium, the format is now heading abroad, with Slovak public broadcaster STVR launching a local adaptation on 29 October.
Created for Belgium’s 2024 federal and local elections, “First Choice” brought together VRT’s news department and production house De Mensen to offer a fresh take on political programming. The format places young, first-time voters in the driving seat. In the five-part series, the presenters visited five secondary schools across Flanders in the spring of 2024, giving young first-time voters the opportunity to share their questions directly with politicians. Ahead of Belgium’s local elections in October 2024, First Choice returned with a new set-up. This time, 50 young people spent three days together, putting their questions to 12 politicians and engaging them in an open debate.
The format creates a unique space for dialogue between young voters and political decision-makers. That approach is now resonating beyond Belgium. Slovak public broadcaster STVR has acquired the format and will launch its own adaptation. At its heart, “First Choice” is about giving young people a voice, encouraging political engagement and creating space for different viewpoints to be heard and respected.
