Sky increases BAME representation
September 16, 2020
Sky has reported further progress on its diversity targets for original productions in the UK.
A new analysis of Sky’s Diamond diversity data confirms that a quarter (25 per cent) of on-screen talent come from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, above Sky’s target of 20 per cent.
In addition, progress has been made on two targets that have previously proven to be challenging – ethnic diversity among senior production roles and series writers.
In the six months to the end of March this year BAME representation in senior roles in production reached 10% for the first time, achieving Sky’s target.
Sky has long considered increasing BAME representation in senior production roles (Head of department level) as critical in fostering the growth and development of new and diverse talent behind the camera.
Among writers, BAME representation across original drama and comedy reached 17 per cent, a 9-point improvement on Sky’s full-year report announced earlier this year.
Sky has collected data from across its original commissions made in the UK as part of Project Diamond. Using the world-first Diamond system, created by the TV industry’s Creative Diversity Network (CDN), broadcasters can now use data to track representation across a wide range of characteristics.
Commenting on the results, Gary Davey, CEO of Sky Studios and Executive sponsor of Sky’s Multiculture Network, said, “We are encouraged by the most recent data but we know we still have a lot of work to do in reaching and maintaining all our inclusion targets.”
“As more and more productions return to set, ensuring cast and crew fill out their Diamond data forms is a critical task, alongside daily temperature checking and other safety measures. Diamond can only be as effective and useful to the industry as the data it is able to collect. As productions start back up again, I encourage all of us to redouble our efforts on gathering data that will help make long-lasting change for the better,” he added.