The Radio Industry Diversity Group (RIDG)
Enriching Radio
The Radio Industry Diversity Group (RIDG) was set up in December 2006 after Move on Up in Radio. Its aims are:
"To work in partnership to address diversity issues within the industry, particularly focussing on the under–representation of black and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities, in order that the industry more fully reflects and serves the whole of the UK population."
The group which has membership from Bectu, Radio Independents Group, Skillset, RadioCentre, Radio Academy, BBC, Student Radio Association, Community Media Association, NUJ and a selection of community and commercial stations initially began looking at issues of under–representation and training needs relevant to BAME and practitioners with disabilities.
After the Move on Up in Radio event which gave Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) professionals an opportunity to network with senior and influential radio industry professionals, a database was created for radio sector employers to use to advertise job advertisements to a comprehensive BAME audience. Over the last year more than 250 vacancies, training opportunities and other offers have been circulated.
Recent developments include the recruitment of a part–time project worker for the RIDG who'll be based at the Radio Academy from 14 February for six months to take forward the work of the group. Responsibilities will include...
- To compile a directory of BAME professionals prepared to speak at industry meetings – both on race issues and on other industry matters.
- To carry out consultation with the Community Media Association, the Student Radio Association and the Hospital Broadcasting Association to find what race equality activities are ongoing and what they might wish to pursue.
- To assist the Radio Academy to improve BAME representation on stage at the next 2008 Radio Festival year on year and at other industry events, in particular with a view to securing one BME speaker per panel at the majority of London events.
If you have a job opportunity to advertise, please email lburt@bectu.org.uk and ask her to forward details to the Move on Up database.
