Why diversity matters
This section includes case studies on diversity and inclusion in broadcasting.
We will regularly update this section with reflections from audiences and people working across the industry.
In conversation with industry leaders
As part of our October 2020 Small Screen: Big Debate event, senior leaders across the broadcasting world reflected on the role the public service broadcasters play in supporting diversity on and off screen:
In November 2020, the Ofcom Wales team held a virtual Small Screen: Big Debate event. As part of this, senior figures at BBC Cymru Wales and ITV Cymru Wales reflected on what diversity means to them:
Spotlight on Radiocentre
Radiocentre, the industry body for commercial radio, shared how it is supporting diversity in the UK radio industry:
Perspectives on diversity
Diversity in the UK TV industry
The film/TV critic and columnist Ellen E Jones, and the actor, writer and producer David Proud, share personal insights on diversity and equal opportunities, based on their experiences as professionals working in the television industry.
These videos were published alongside our 2019 annual report on diversity and equal opportunities in the UK television industry (PDF, 2.4 MB).
Dialling up diversity in radio – an Ofcom podcast
Vikki Cook, Ofcom’s Director, Broadcast and Online Content, chairs a frank discussion on diversity with Rhona Burns, Chief Operating Officer at BBC Radio; Will Harding, Chief Strategy Officer at Global; and Paul Keenan, President of Audio at Bauer Media Group
These industry leaders explain their views on improving diversity, while a range of people from a variety of diverse backgrounds working across the industry share their experiences of succeeding in radio.
This podcast was published alongside our 2019 annual report on diversity and equal opportunities in the UK radio industry (PDF, 13.8 MB).
Why diversity in TV is important
Hear from senior leaders at some of the biggest broadcasters on why diversity is important across the TV industry. These videos were published alongside our 2018 annual report on diversity and equal opportunities in the UK television industry (PDF, 4.8 MB).
Ofcom's research
We carry out a significant amount of research looking at what audiences think about diversity and inclusion in broadcasting. Below is a selection of our key research publications:
Our ongoing Small Screen: Big Debate research explores what people across the UK want and need from public service broadcasting.
Our Audience Expectations in a Digital World research provides an insight into how people feel about what they see and hear on TV and radio. The research shows that audiences want Ofcom to deal with discriminatory content as a priority
Representation and Portrayal Research Hub - In 2018, we reviewed how the BBC represents and portrays different people on TV. The research underpinning this review offers wide-ranging and interesting insights into what people think about representation and portrayal on TV.
We commissioned a Rapid Evidence Assessment (PDF, 687.3 KB) of diversity research on public service broadcasting