Viewers tuning into BBC’s Newsround have often scratched their heads over one quirky detail. The hosts appear relaxed on a colorful sofa set, delivering kid-friendly news updates. Yet they casually grip what looks like Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons in one hand. This sight sparked endless questions from curious young fans and puzzled parents alike.
Emma-Louise Amanshia, a lively presenter on the show since 2024, decided to clear up the mystery. She shared a fun TikTok video responding to a fan’s direct query. Sitting in the familiar studio setup, she held up the small blue controller for all to see. Her explanation quickly went viral, delighting followers with its straightforward charm.
The Joy-Con serves as a custom remote for the autocue, or teleprompter. Presenters scroll through the script at their own natural pace rather than a rigid speed. The analog stick acts like a jog wheel to move text up and down smoothly. Additional buttons underneath let them reset back to the script’s start with ease.
Emma-Louise demonstrated this live in her clip, pointing to the screen in front of her. She noted how people frequently ask about it because the setup seems odd at first glance. Sitting comfortably on the sofa with notes nearby, she uses the controller to keep everything flowing seamlessly. She credited a clever tech whiz behind the scenes for making it all click.
This hack shines during weekend broadcasts when the controllers stand out most. Their compact size keeps hands free and unobtrusive on camera. Kids instantly recognize them, adding a playful touch to the professional vibe. Plus they cost far less than bulky studio remotes designed for heavy use.
Fans flooded the comments with tech-savvy insights on the setup. It connects via Bluetooth to the computer running the autocue software. Any game controller works with simple programming to map the stick and buttons. One viewer explained how the joystick axis handles scrolling while plus and minus keys handle navigation.
Others chimed in that it’s a breeze to configure for live shows like this. The wireless freedom suits the casual Newsround style perfectly. No clunky cables or desks needed for the hosts. This keeps the focus on engaging stories for children aged five to fifteen.
Not everyone had even spotted the controllers before. One commenter swore they never noticed during episodes. Emma-Louise cheekily replied by asking if they tuned in on weekends. Her wit turned skeptics into fans overnight.
The video also stirred waves of nostalgia across social media. Adults shared memories of watching Newsround as kids decades ago. Some marveled that the program still thrives after all these years. It sparked joyful reunions with childhood favorites.
Newsround launched on April 4, 1972, as John Craven’s Newsround, pioneering kids’ news bulletins. It airs weekdays on CBBC around 7:45 a.m. for eight minutes and weekends on BBC Two for six. Episodes linger on iPlayer for catch-up viewing. Stars like Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Helen Skelton, Ore Oduba, and Jake Humphrey got their big breaks there.
@emmalouiseam Replying to @noahykyk11 in case you’re also wondering what this Nintendo controller is for 👀 #livetv #switch #newsround #behindthescenes ♬ original sound – Emma-Louise 🌼
Today’s team includes Ricky Boleto, Jenny Lawrence, De’Graft Mensah, Shanequa Paris, Nina Blissett, and Otis Holmes alongside Emma-Louise. They deliver global events in bite-sized, accessible bites. The Joy-Con trick embodies the show’s innovative spirit. It blends gaming familiarity with broadcast smarts seamlessly.
This resourceful use of everyday tech highlights creative problem-solving in TV production. Studios worldwide could borrow the idea for relaxed formats. It proves simple tweaks make high-stakes live reads feel effortless. Emma-Louise’s reveal turned a hidden gimmick into celebrated ingenuity.
Have you caught the Joy-Cons in action on Newsround or got your own clever broadcasting hacks to share in the comments?
