BAFTA showcase for minority ethnic group media talent
New research shows minorities in TV and Radio on the increase
13 February 2004
Winners from the Skillset Millennium Awards, designed to improve diversity in the media, showcased their talents to an audience of high profile industry figures at BAFTA last night (Thursday 12 February). The showcase was held as new research reveals that minority ethnic group representation is on the increase in Television and Radio.
Skillset’s 2003 Employment Census, the full results of which will be published in March 2004, found that representation within Broadcast Television is now 8.4% and 8.8% in Broadcast Radio. This equates to a 2.1% increase in television and 1.9% in radio over the last three years.
The Awards offer talented ethnic individuals a grant to complete a film, radio, website or print media project beneficial to their communities. Winners also receive up to £10,000 worth of BBC training giving them the technical skills and knowledge needed to complete their projects and to progress a career in media.
Clive Jones, Head of ITV News and Chair of Skillset said:
“Whilst it’s positive that numbers are going up, representation is still far below what it should be. Not only do minority ethnic groups make up 40% of the working population in London, where the majority of the media industries are concentrated, they also make up a significant percentage of our audience. To remain commercially successful our output must reflect and be relevant to that audience and that means more people from diverse communities working in the industry. The Skillset Millennium Awards is helping to achieve that. The winners are very impressive and I look forward to seeing their talents and careers grow and make an impact on the industry.”
Awards Winner Kuldip Singh showcased his radio project ‘Destination UK’, chronicling the struggles faced by immigrants and the positive contributions many have made to British culture and society. He said:
“The Awards are a great springboard for my career improving my journalistic, television, radio and multi-media skills. I want to combine the skills I’ve gained to produce diverse and meaningful programmes and documentaries. This world is home to some fascinating and inspirational individuals. I want to tell their stories.”
-ENDS-
Photography and a CD Rom of all winners and their projects are available on request.
Contact the SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE:
Eve Ragout
020 7520 5752
07968 010 325
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. Audio Visual Industries in this context means, Broadcast, Film, Video, Interactive Media and Photo Imaging. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, UK-wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.
2. The Millennium Awards Scheme is part of a £200 million programme of grants to individuals administered by not for profit organisations across the UK and funded by the Millennium Commission.
