BBC sets out diversity roadmap
The BBC has released details of a commitment to ring-fence £100m of its existing commissioning budget over three years towards diverse and inclusive content across all genres.
The Creative Diversity Commitment will include a mandatory 20% diverse-talent target in all new network commissions from April 2021.
The steps are designed to support the BBC’s Diversity Code of Practice, and commits the corporation to create content with at least two of the following three priorities:
• Diverse stories and portrayal on-screen
• Diverse production teams and talent
• Diverse-led production companies
Director general, Tony Hall, said: “The senseless killing of George Floyd - and what it tells us about the stain of systemic racism - has had a profound impact on all of us. It’s made us question ourselves about what more we can do to help tackle racism - and drive inclusion within our organisation and in society as a whole.
“This is our response - it’s going to drive change in what we make and who makes it. It’s a big leap forward - and we’ll have more to announce in the coming weeks.”
June Sarpong, director of creative diversity (pictured), added: “I came to the BBC as an outsider. Before joining I had an idea of this being an organisation that did not want to change. What I found was something different: an organisation that had ambitious goals for diversity and inclusion but didn’t know how to reach them. This commitment will help to drive real change that will be felt by all audiences. It will also create a strong framework to help diverse storytellers succeed at all levels of the industry.
“As director of creative diversity, I’m pleased that we’re announcing this fund as the first of a series of bold steps that will help make the BBC an instrument of real change. As a black woman, I feel and share in the pain that so many are feeling worldwide. It makes it all the more important that we show up now not just with words but with meaningful action.”
Charlotte Moore, director of content, said: “When I met Steve McQueen last year during the making of Small Axe, he challenged me and the BBC to set meaningful targets and take proper action. He was right. Today’s announcement represents a truly transformational commitment to both on and off screen representation. Concrete, tangible action is the only way we can bring about real sustainable change”
