BBC's Thompson Takes On Diversity Role

A UK-wide organisation that aims to improve the representation of ethnic minorities in TV both on screen and behind the camera is to have a new high-profile boss.
Mark Thompson, the BBC Director-General has become Chair of the Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) for a period of two years, taking over from Channel 4's Chief Executive, David Abraham in the role.
Mark Thompson said: "I look forward to building on the strong progress made over recent years and working in close partnership with the rest of the industry.
Everyone working in broadcasting has a responsibility for promoting diversity both on and off screen. By drawing on the talents of all parts of society and reflecting their lives on screen, we can make better programmes for audiences," he said.
Meanwhile, David Abrahams, outgoing Chair of the CDN and Chief Executive of Channel 4, added: "After a fantastic two years the time has come to handover the chair of the CDN to the BBC. During Channel 4's tenure, which was begun by my predecessor, Andy Duncan, we launched the CDN Diversity Pledge, to which an impressive 274 independent production companies are now signed up, and launched the CDN Diversity Awards.
"I'm proud of what the team here have achieved but, as always, there is still much to do and the broadcast industry cannot afford to become complacent.
"We will continue to work collaboratively with our colleagues at the BBC, and across the TV industry, to ensure diversity remains high on everyone's agenda."
Among past CDN initiatives there has been many successes such as a Senior Mentoring Scheme - now in its third year - designed to address the lack of diversity in senior management across UK media organisations. Further enhancing the scheme is a priority for 2011 alongside new projects.
The CDN is an association of Britain's leading broadcasters and independent production companies, originally formed in 2000, to improve the representation of ethnic minorities in television both on screen and behind the camera.
It focuses on working with its member broadcasters on sharing expertise, resources and models of good practice.
As members of the CDN, programme makers and commissioners are encouraged to think about ethnic minority representation, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender and social background when casting or recruiting.
(BMcC/GK)