FEED Spring 2022 Web

Words by Verity Butler

Whenever there’s an

ince the invention of television in 1927, we have seen an on-screen societal evolution unfolding from generation to generation, reflecting the image of a gradually diversifying society. As

VIDEO AT FEEDMAGAZINE.TV/ISSUE-LIBRARY

outrageous moment on TV, you see headlines about Ofcom complaints. But who are the moguls governing our screens, and are they doing it right?

important to recognise as this is, in truth it has taken a suspiciously long time to get to where we are now. This is particularly evident when it comes to egalitarian representation of the UK within the broadcasting space. The methods we deploy to understand and assess the industry as it stands are central to this. There are at least some demonstrable examples of regulatory research movements – The Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, for example. As a research facility, it comes under the umbrella of Birmingham City University’s offerings. It is an independent body, drawing on the work and experience of professionals and academics, aiming to keep track of the ever-changing progress of media diversity in the UK. The centre investigates each layer of UK media, dissecting a plethora of societal issues and human rights conduct. Its key purpose is to increase diversity and inclusion, ensuring it’s not just a buzzword being thrown around corporate media giants without any real action. Practices it implements to achieve these aims include: y A regular analysis of statistics from broadcasters, trade bodies and other key stakeholders. y Close examination of diversity statistical deficits, with resultant recommendations for data collection approaches. y Evaluation of policy announcements from networks and stakeholders to improve diversity

(in other words: making sure they are actually doing something that is implemented – and aren’t just surface level). y Overall, to present research that strives to improve diversity practices in the media industry. An example of such research comes from a report by former CEO of the Broadcast Equality and Training Regulator, Dr Peter L. Block, entitled ‘The future of diversity regulation in the UK broadcast industry – models and ownership.’ Focusing on the investigation of Ofcom practices, Block was inspired to carry out this specific research following a lecture he attended at the Edinburgh Television Festival by Professor David Olusoga, quoting: “When it comes to diversity, Ofcom has a history of giving the broadcasters a clean bill of health, or at worst a cursory note that they could do better. “Just as there’s a historic lack of trust towards the broadcasters, Ofcom, I am sad to say, lacks credibility and trust among many Black and Asian programme makers.”

Sir Lenny Henry is one of the UK’s best-loved TV personalities. For much of his career, he stood as the first and only Black British entertainer in mainstream television; a position which unfortunately spanned decades. Who Am I, Again? is also the name of Henry’s memoir, published in 2019. WHO AM I, AGAIN?

feedmagazine.tv

Powered by