Bectu starts work on independent TV racism reporting body

Bectu has commissioned broadcasting diversity champion Marcus Ryder to report on options for developing an industry wide independent racism reporting body.

Ryder, a life-long Bectu member and former BBC executive, will explore the different models that a racism reporting body could take.

The process will include: a review of racism in the industry and an analysis of existing independent complaints bodies as well as interviews with key stakeholders to inform the options that will be put forward.

The work is due to start in September with the aim to conclude the process by the end of October.

Bectu approached Ryder in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and the light that it has shone on the lack of diversity in the screen industries.

Bectu members predominantly work behind the camera in film and TV. There are huge questions and discussions taking place across these industries about how to improve representation – especially in editorial roles.

The experience of non-white people in these industries was highlighted in David Olusoga’s MacTaggart Lecture at the start of the Edinburgh TV on 24 August. It follows on from other high-profile non-white people in the industry sharing their experience of racism, including Rachel Adedeji while she worked on Channel 4’s Hollyoaks.

As well as this work, Head of Bectu Philippa will be writing directly to the incoming BBC Director General Tim Davie about serious allegations of institutional racism at the broadcaster published by the Huffington Post.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said: “I am delighted that Marcus has agreed to undertake this crucial piece of work for us. In recent months we have heard too many experiences of racism from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic members working in TV. Despite good intentions and plans of action from broadcasters and production companies nothing is changing. Bectu’s hope is that an independent reporting body could be the start of giving non-white people in the industry some confidence that their experiences are heard, monitored and addressed. I would encourage anyone working behind the camera who has experienced racism in the industry to join Bectu and be part of the pressure for change.”

Marcus Ryder said: “I feel that this is an incredibly important piece of work and I am excited to be working with Bectu to find practical solutions to the to the problems currently facing the industry.”