TV Collective Pacts with C4, BBC, ITV & BFI for BAME-Centered Initiative

The TV Collective (TVC) has partnered with Channel 4, BBC, ITV and BFI to launch free online events for BAME industry professionals during COVID-19.

Beginning on Tuesday, May 12 and running until July, the sessions will take the form of live talks and Q&As that will be led by a range of industry experts from across TV, digital media and the creative industries. All attendees can gain access via TVC’s Facebook or Instagram Live and they’ll have the opportunity to receive career advice and put forward their concerns in an ‘Any Questions’ type format. TVC will also be offering the event sponsors and speakers the chance to gain insights via informal surveys that can be found online.

Simone Pennant MBE, founder of TVC, said: “It’s a hugely challenging time for everyone working in these industries right now, especially as we adapt to this new normal. While some are adjusting to the new landscape and the opportunities it presents, most BAME workers I speak to, tell me they felt disenfranchised before but now feel more vulnerable than ever. We’re using our platform and network to pull together, to unpick the challenges faced by many BAME workers in our industry, whilst providing a safe space for them to ask frank questions from their perspective. My hope is to use this ‘pause’ to discuss how we can make the industry more inclusive and progressive as we go forward.”

Ade Rawcliffe, ITV’s head of diversity for commissioning, said: “ITV are delighted to support The TV Collective at what is a very difficult time. It is important to ITV that once production is up and running again that we are able to employ talent from the widest range of backgrounds. ITV connects with millions of people every day, reflecting and shaping the world we live in. We do this through the power of creativity, and we are fostering that creativity by embedding diversity and inclusion across our business.”.”

Miranda Wayland, BBC’s head of creative diversity, said: “I’m excited that we’re partnering with The TV Collective to support our BAME industry professionals at this time. We’re committed to ensuring we fully support diverse talent during these challenging times, and it speaks to the heart of BBC’s commitment around the wider diversity agenda.”

Babita Bahal, head of creative diversity at Channel 4, added: “Inclusion has never been more important than it is now, and we want to make sure that all the brilliant creative talent in our industry feel connected and supported by everyone at Channel 4. We are always looking for ways of not only improving diversity, but more importantly, seeking out opportunities to address the additional challenges that talent from BAME backgrounds may encounter. We are pleased to be joining forces with The TV Collective to provide support during the ongoing crisis.”

Jennifer Smith, BFI’s head of inclusion, commented: “The BFI are pleased to support The TV Collective and its continued, very important work at this time. Now more than ever, we need to work together and drive our collective efforts forward to build a more inclusive industry.”