Ethnic talent 'breaking down media barriers'

Filming with Ms Dynamite, working as BBC Researchers or getting a sought after place on Reuters post graduate journalism course are just some of the successes being enjoyed by ethnic minority talent, thanks to the Skillset Millennium Awards.
These achievements and more were celebrated on December 5 as top industry figures gathered at the first Skillset Millennium Awards Showcase at the BBC Conference Centre.
Launched last year, after Skillset’s annual census confirmed that ethnic minorities are under-represented, the awards aim to improve diversity within Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive and Print Media. In conjunction with the BBC, individuals from ethnic minorities receive £10,000 worth of training, and funding to develop a community based media project.
Skillset Patron Clive Jones, Chief Executive of Carlton TV, and joint MD of ITV, said: “If we wish to remain successful as an industry we must reflect the communities we serve. We have to give ethnic minorities an equal chance to develop their talent and the skills. The Skillset Millennium Awards are just one example of how we can do that. They have helped talented individuals realise an ambition and given them that all important break.”
Managed by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industry, and funded by lottery money through the Millennium Commission, the Awards will benefit 120 people across the UK over three years. Projects in production range from videos looking at British Chinese culture or encouraging more black students to go to University, to websites exploring the heritage of Caribbean women or showcasing urban artistic talent.
(GB)