Public service broadcasting has a vital role to play in mediating the National Conversation and in helping the diverse communities of the UK to learn about each other. To do this effectively it must reach as much of the population as possible and be trusted to portray all groups accurately and fairly, particularly those who are currently marginalised in society.

However, there is a widespread recognition that broadcasters have been slow to make progress on what has become known as cultural diversity, reflecting the full variety of people and perspectives that make up Britain today. This report sets out to examine the reasons why.

Based on the views of over one hundred programme-makers across the broadcasting industry who have personal and professional experience of the barriers to achieving diversity on air, the report highlights the ineffectiveness of existing industry approaches. It examines in detail the many aspects of the programme-making process which can marginalise voices outside the mainstream of society, from commissioning and production to scheduling and promotion.

It demonstrates the value of a diverse programme-making workforce and explores why there are still so few people from minorities in senior creative or editorial roles. It reveals how people throughout the industry frequently feel powerless and frustrated because they cannot talk openly about the problems they face.

In its final sections, the report draws on the experience of programme-makers to identify practical ways forward. It proposes a new framework for making programmes that are inclusive and authentic in their representation of diverse voices, and makes recommendations for holding public service broadcasters to account in achieving this.

The full report can be found here, and in PDF format it can be found here.