Lenny Henry has called on Ofcom to reconsider its decision not to force the BBC to increase workforce diversity, describing the regulator's stance as 'strangely passive'. Writing in the Guardian, the actor and comedian highlighted that the BBC's annual report and list of top earners showed a 'long way to go' in improving off-screen diversity.
Henry noted that the ten highest-paid BAME stars collectively earned about the same as Chris Evans last year, and that BAME staff were less likely to be promoted, reach senior management, or receive pay-offs. The BBC is missing its own racial diversity targets in six of ten divisions, he added.
Ofcom became the BBC's first independent regulator earlier this year but did not propose a target for increasing BAME staff behind the scenes, sparking backlash. A consultation on its draft operating licence closed last week, with groups including the National Union of Journalists and the Campaign for Broadcasting Equality urging stronger action.
Simon Albury, chair of the Campaign for Broadcasting Equality, said Ofcom must stop being a 'reluctant regulator' and address the 'complete evidence of diversity failure at the BBC'. Henry stressed that while progress is visible on screen, the real issues lie in who commissions and makes programmes.
Henry expressed hope that Ofcom might change its mind by September, adding that BAME individuals in the industry would welcome a level playing field. 'If we're to make real progress towards diversity on our TV screens, Ofcom needs to listen to us,' he concluded.
