Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity reveals that a large number of writers from ethnic marginalised groups experience racial abuse in the workplace and are less likely to progress in their roles.
In recent weeks, ITN Global Security Editor Rohit Kachroo and Birmingham City University Media Senior Lecturer, Dr Ellie Tomsett, have conducted a new report on discrimination in the UK news and media industry, and the findings are shocking.
Results find that, out of the 80 anonymous participants, 63% concluded that they have experienced racism in the workplace. Another report showed that 70% of ethnically marginalised groups do not believe that there are sufficient opportunities to progress. These statistics show a large disparity in the potential for personal growth for people of colour working within journalism.
Diversity and the current state of journalism
In 2010, the UK passed the Equality Act. This bill states that ‘public bodies have to consider all individuals when carrying out their day-to-day work – in shaping policy, in delivering services and in relation to their own employees.’ The Equality Act was passed to address issues of discrimination in the UK. Urging the need for fair treatment and inclusion of people of colour in the workplace.
A decade later, the tragic murder of George Floyd in 2020 forced the world to address racial bias. As a result, acclaimed publications BBC, ITN and Sky made new arrangements to adhere to better diversity and inclusion.
Now, in 2026, this Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity report finds that marginalised groups are still facing racial injustices in the workforce.
