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TV's Class Divide: Industry Tackles Inequality
27 Jan
Summary
- Major UK broadcasters commit to removing class barriers.
- Initiative aims to improve woefully poor representation for working-class individuals.
- Nearly one in four senior TV roles held by privately educated individuals.
The British television industry is taking significant steps to address class inequality. Leading broadcasters, including BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, alongside major production companies like Banijay and Fremantle, have pledged to become Class Confident organizations. This initiative, inspired by James Graham's 2024 MacTaggart address, aims to systematically remove barriers faced by working-class individuals seeking careers in TV.
Key actions include prioritizing class on company agendas, reinstating job interviews, and ensuring entry-level roles pay at least the real living wage. This push is crucial given recent research indicating that nearly a quarter of senior TV positions are held by individuals with private school backgrounds, a figure disproportionately high compared to the general population. Gemma Bradshaw of the TV Foundation noted that working-class voices were once a "taboo topic" but are now being actively addressed by industry leaders. This movement signifies the beginning of efforts to make television production more accessible to all.
