BBC Pledges £100 Million GBP to Diverse and Inclusive TV Programming
The broadcaster has mandated that 20 percent of its off-screen talent must come from underrepresented groups.
The BBC has committed to increasing diversity in its television programming by pledging £100 million GBP of its budget towards producing inclusive content.
Beginning in April 2021, the budget will apply across all TV genres including children’s programming, educational content and current affairs. The broadcaster has also set a mandatory target stipulating that 20 percent of off-screen talent must come from underrepresented groups — this includes Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups (BAME), disabled people and those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
Going forward, the BBC will also “test” content to meet at least two of three diversity benchmarks. BBC News lists these criteria as ”diverse stories and portrayal on-screen, diverse production teams and talent and diverse-led production companies.”
Acknowledging the murder of George Floyd in police custody, BBC Director General Tony Hall issued a statement on the public network’s financial pledge. ”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,” he said. “It’s made us question ourselves about what more we can do to help tackle racism — and drive inclusion within our organization and in society as a whole.” Hall went on to state that the BBC will “have more to announce in the coming weeks.”
