Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Paragraph: 118
Increasing diversity in commissioning and production roles is crucial for improving on-screen diversity.
Recommendation
Increasing diversity in commissioning and production roles is crucial for improving on-screen diversity. We recommend that Ofcom introduce requirements for the number of BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled people in commissioning and senior production roles to improve authentic on-screen representation of the UK’s diverse communities.
Paragraph Reference:
118
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The media plays a vital role in UK society and therefore has an important responsibility to reflect 21st Century Britain. The Government is committed to supporting the sector to ensure it is representative of the country in which we live and a place where people from all backgrounds can achieve. Under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom has a duty to promote equality of opportunity in relation to employment and training in the broadcasting sector and has powers to ask broadcasters to provide information about their equal opportunities policies and the make-up of their workforce. The Equality Act provides a framework for reporting by public authorities. Different rules apply for private and voluntary sector organisations. In that light, the Government does not propose to amend the statutory framework, given the need to balance the burden of regulation on enterprise, including small and medium-sized firms.