The BBC raises its off-screen diversity target to 25%, aiming to increase ethnic, disability, and socioeconomic representation in TV production, following a £243M investment in diverse content since 2021.
Bollywood Fever: The BBC has announced that all future TV shows will need to meet a 25% off-screen diversity target, encompassing ethnic, disability, and socioeconomic representation.
This new initiative comes after the broadcaster spent £243 million ($318 million) on diverse content between April 2021 and March 2024, doubling its original expectations.
As part of the BBC’s broader goal to better reflect the diversity of the UK, this updated target represents a 5% increase from the previous 20% benchmark, which 82% of shows successfully achieved by last year.
This move follows the conclusion of the first three years of the BBC’s diversity commitments, with recommendations for the next phase developed in collaboration with the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity.
The new target will require independent production companies to outline how they will meet the 25% diversity goal during the commissioning process.
The BBC has pledged to assist producers in applying new Inclusive Production Principles, which include considerations for areas such as makeup for diverse skin tones and accessible needs for individuals with disabilities.
In addition to the new targets, the BBC plans to maintain its £240 million investment over the next three years, focusing on shows that meet at least two of the following criteria: diverse storytelling and on-screen portrayal, diverse production leadership, or diverse company leadership.
The corporation emphasized that while there has been progress in on-screen diversity, off-screen representation, especially in leadership roles, still needs improvement.
Some standout productions that exemplify the BBC’s diversity efforts include Dreaming Whilst Black and Man Like Mobeen, as well as the documentary Rose Ayling-Ellis: Signs for Change, which highlighted the contributions of deaf individuals behind the scenes.
Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer, reiterated the BBC’s commitment to diversity:
“We are dedicated to backing British storytelling and recognize the crucial role diverse-led indies play in sharing authentic stories. By increasing our investment and enhancing off-screen diversity targets, we aim to create a more inclusive environment that reflects and resonates with all audiences.”
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