MIPCOM’s Diversify TV Excellence Awards Open for Entries

Entries can now be submitted for the second edition of the MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards, which are meant to promote diversity and inclusion throughout the international television industry.

Eligible programs must have a fair and accurate representation of BAME, LGBTQ and disabled communities. They should have made a positive impact while challenging stereotypes, with original and high-quality storytelling, casting and production values. Submissions must have aired for the first time between September 1, 2017, and August 2018 on a linear and/or non-linear platform. They will be reviewed by Reed MIDEM’s editorial team and members of the MIP Markets Diversity Advisory Board. There are scripted and non-scripted categories for awards recognizing representation of race and ethnicity, LGBTQ and disability. New this year will be an award for kids’ programming across all genres.

The winning projects will be selected by charitable organizations and specialized publications that campaign for equality and inclusion. The deadline for submissions is September 5. The 2018 Diversify TV Excellence Awards will take place during MIPCOM on Tuesday, October 16, at the Grand Salon of the Intercontinental Carlton Hotel in Cannes. The ceremony is an invitation-only event for approximately 200 leading TV execs.

Nick Smith, the executive VP of formats at all3media international and a member of the MIP Markets Diversity Advisory Board, said: “I’m really proud that the MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards are coming back bigger and better for 2018. There are so many examples of how specific television programming has made a difference in society, so it feels right to acknowledge excellent programs that include a fair and accurate representation of often marginalized groups, and important that the awards are judged by organizations supporting these groups.”

Laurine Garaude, the director of television at Reed MIDEM, which organizes MIPCOM, added: “Diversity and inclusion are a major priority for us at Reed MIDEM. Besides being a place to do business, MIPCOM is a great platform to think about these preoccupations and address some of the key issues facing the world today. Over the past years, MIPCOM has been providing a forum for the entertainment industry to discuss extending its role to influence society and to take action to improve representation at all levels.”