Broadcast marks 60th with diversity scheme

Broadcast is partnering with key industry bodies to help people from BAME and under-represented backgrounds take their first steps into a career in TV.

We have linked up with ScreenSkills, Pact and Mama Youth Project to offer free online Broadcast subscriptions to more than 100 individuals who are taking part in training or development programmes run by the organisations.

The initiative has launched to mark Broadcast’s 60th anniversary in 2019 and will become a permanent annual fixture.

This means that each year, a new generation of emerging talent will have access to Broadcast free of charge.

Participants in the schemes will also receive a complimentary online subscription to sister title Screen International.

Mama Youth’s What’s Up TV Training Programme, Pact’s Indie Diversity Training Scheme and several courses run by training body ScreenSkills are among the schemes taking part.

Pact said: “We all know it’s hard to break into and maintain a career in TV, so our aim is to equip our trainees with the tools to survive and thrive. A subscription to Broadcast will help our trainees to keep abreast of the latest news and developments, and to access important opportunities during the scheme and beyond.”

ScreenSkills director of high-end television Kaye Elliott added: “Finding and supporting more diverse talent is a priority we have been addressing directly for a number of years, including running a string of programmes to make a real difference on inclusion.

“People from under-represented groups don’t automatically have contacts and easy ways of learning about what we do. A free subscription is a terrific extra resource and we’re so pleased some of our alumni will benefit.”

Broadcast is producing several themed special issues throughout 2019, to celebrate its anniversary, including one focused on diversity in late May.