ITV Launches Initiative to Amplify Black Voices

ITV is set to launch a series of short films focused on Black people telling their stories of racism and their vision of changes they believe should happen.

The aim is to promote understanding and discussion around the issue of racism in order to contribute toward inspiring long-term change. ITV will feature of a range of people discussing their experiences of racism, including MPs Helen Grant and David Lammy, founder of Operation Black Vote Lord Simon Woolley, journalist Charlene White, Emmerdale actor Jay Kontzle and other colleagues from across ITV.

The hour-long text- and audio-based short films, devised by ITV Creative, will run across ITV and STV’s promotional airtime, social feeds, as well as a dedicated campaign website.

Last week, ITV announced its Diversity Acceleration Plan, following extensive discussion with ITV Embrace, ITV’s own network for Black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues.

Rufus Radcliffe, board sponsor for ITV Embrace and chief marketing officer and director of direct to consumer at ITV, said “At ITV, we have been reflecting on our role in creating a more socially conscious and fairer society. We have a platform to speak to millions of people every day, and we feel it’s important to allow others a chance to speak. Black Voices are intended to shed light on what some black people have had to endure over the years, and still endure even today, in the hope that we can accelerate change in diversity and inclusion.”