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ITV’s regions are made
up of a diverse population especially Carlton’s London
and Central regions which are home to 80 per cent of the
ethnic population in the UK. Carlton believes it is important
to reflect this multi-cultural society on screen and in
the workplace. This principle also applies to representation
of disability.
Carlton is tackling these issues by participating in two
important networks. In 2000 Carlton spearheaded the
Cultural Diversity Network, a cross-industry initiative bringing
together all the major broadcasters, for which Carlton is one
of the leading supporters. The profile of a similar initiative, the
Broadcasters’ Disability Network, was also raised in 2002,
when Carlton helped to launch all the broadcasters’ Action
Plans to improve the portrayal and employment of disabled
people in and on television.
Carlton has set up a Diversity Steering Group, consisting
of representatives from senior Carlton executives whose role
it is to drive forward and keep diversity initiatives under
review. The key action points of the group are:
- To increase the presence of ethnic minorities and disabled
people on screen and in all areas of the workforce.
- To modernise the casting and portrayal of ethnic
minorities and the disabled in mainstream programming.
- To create an online talent database and website.
- To raise the profile of diversity issues.
- To increase the access of services and facilities on and
off screen.
In 2002 a Diversity Policy, outlining these objectives,
was launched to all staff within Carlton’s regions to ensure
a coherent approach to the issues.
To date, ITV has made significant progress in its pursuit
to reflect modern Britain through television, and this
continues to improve. For example, Carlton’s Multicultural
Achievement Awards was established to honour some
of the most inspirational talent from Britain’s ethnic
communities and was screened in all of Carlton’s regions.
In the Central region, the commitment to diversity led
to sponsorship of both the Diwali festivities in Leicester
and the Mela 2002 exhibition, which was the largest indoor
celebration of Asian culture in the UK this year. HTV
Wales established a new accredited performing arts course
in Cardiff Bay for ethnic minority students and also provided
four placements to graduates with disabilities.
These are just examples of the many projects that Carlton’s
regions support, either through sponsorship, workshops,
training, bursaries or work experience to help improve
greater representation both on and off screen. |
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