Sky Launches New Initiative for Underrepresented Groups

Sky has partnered with Creative Access to provide underrepresented groups placements in the media industry.

The 18 placements will be available across Sky News, Sky Sports, UK Content and Sky Studios. The collaboration will provide talented TV aspirants who are Black, Asian or from a minority ethnic background, disabled or from lower socioeconomic backgrounds with invaluable 12-month paid placements at Sky. Over the course of a year, the successful candidates will develop their industry knowledge, widen their professional networks and learn new skills by working alongside experienced technical, editorial and strategic staff at Sky.

The opportunities available include two trainee sports reporters at Sky Sports, one assistant digital producer and one assistant audio/podcast producer at Sky News and two editorial assistants at Sky Studios. The deadline for applications for all placements is April 16.

John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: “The media industry needs to change to reflect modern Britain, and not just in what viewers see on screen but who makes decisions off-screen too. By offering placements to trainees from diverse backgrounds we’re giving people a foot into the industry they might not otherwise secure—and once they’re in the door, we can offer them the advice, support and training that, in the long-term, will help them transform our industry.”

Rob Webster, managing director for Sky Sports, said: “At Sky Sports, we’re proud to help make sport more diverse. Diversity brings new views, new ideas, and most importantly, new voices to sport. We want to create more inclusive environments in our industry and a huge part of that is making sure the people working behind the scenes represent the sports fans that we serve.”

Jane Millichip, chief content officer at Sky Studios, said: “Bringing new talent from under-represented groups into the creative industries is hugely important to us. Across the industry, it’s critical that we reflect the viewers who watch our shows, both on-screen and off. These placements will work across some of our most innovative areas from virtual production to our biggest and boldest new dramas and comedies.”

Anoushka Dossa, director of intern and graduate recruitment at Creative Access, said: “We are delighted to be working across Sky’s divisions to provide these prestigious and unique opportunities to bright and passionate talent from under-represented groups who might not have otherwise benefitted from these opportunities. These placements will allow the successful applicants to get a year of unparalleled experience under their belt, which we expect will be a springboard for them to forge long and successful careers, to the benefit of the U.K.’s television industry.”