Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

UK broadcasters not transparent over diversity says union

AN INDUSTRY union is set to boycott a major diversity initiative over what it says is lack of transparency from major broadcasters.

Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph & Theatre Union (BECTU), which represents black, Asian and minority ethnic community professionals among its members, claims that the much-heralded “Project Diamond” initiative which was set up monitor diversity in the industry, is already failing as major broadcasters such as BBC, Sky, Channel 4 and ITV are not sharing important data.


Gerry Morrissey, the general secretary of Bectu, has written to the the chief executives of ITV, Sky and Channel 4, and the director general of the BBC, saying that union members from ethnic minorities are so concerned about a lack of transparency that the union is considering boycotting the project.

“Please do not underestimate the disenchantment of many black, Asian and minority ethnic community professionals with the broadcasters’ record, which has cost many thousands in lost income and has cost others their career,” said Morrissey. “We do not wish to have to boycott Project Diamond, but as a democratic union we are governed by our members.”

Bectu have argued that broadcasters should be following the lead of organisations such as the British Film Institute and the Arts Council of England who have agreed to higher levels of transparency for their diversity programmes.

Creative Diversity Network (CDN), who are funded by major broadcasters, and responsible for overseeing and running Project Diamond have agreed to a meeting to discuss the concerns of Bectu.

More For You

Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less
Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

Wes Streeting addresses the Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28),joined by Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Vikram Doraiswami

Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

WES STREETING spoke of the priority prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour government attach to relations with India when he addressed a Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28).

But the secretary of state for health and social care won over the large Indian crowd by paying an unexpected tribute to Rishi Sunak.

Keep ReadingShow less