Diversity and Inclusion in Media

I came across an interesting article this week about CBS' strategy to improve diversity and inclusion. Being one of America’s largest and most watched networks, they have chosen to broaden their storytelling to include underrepresented groups. This article stated that CBS has made public commitments relating to executive appointments, budgets for diverse programming, targets to boost representation of writers in shows and diversity driven KPIs. Let us watch this space and see how this strategy delivers change!  

 CBS’ strategy has prompted me to reflect on the Australian media industry, in light of a recent study published in August 2020 by Media Diversity Australia and 4 Universities. This is the first in-depth study of cultural diversity in Australian television news and current affairs.  The research concluded that the Australian media industry has a very long way to go in boosting representation of people from diverse backgrounds, in front and behind the camera. The lack of cultural diversity in Australian media continues to influence the stories that we consume. Sadly, it robs us of the opportunity to understand and appreciate our multicultural society. 

 So, what if Australian networks took similar steps to CBS? What stories would we have access to? How proud would we be to showcase stories that accurately represent our society? As consumers of these stories, how interesting would it be to engage with media that cares about representing us? 

 I challenge the Australian media sector to take real and meaningful action to be more diverse and inclusive. This will not only deliver commercial value to the media sector, but it will also give consumers what they deserve and desire! 

 If you need support with your diversity and inclusion strategy, contact me via LinkedIn, admin@liliankikuvi.com or https://www.liliankikuvi.com.