Sir Lenny Henry slams ‘fake diversity’
Sir Lenny Henry has slammed ‘fake diversity’ claims by media organisations that could give a misleading picture of off-screen work forces.
The Dudley-born actor, comedian and campaigner criticised a ‘Milli Vanilli’ approach by broadcasters on ongoing concerns about the proportion of black and minority ethnic employees behind the scenes.
His comments came as he delivered a keynote speech at a meeting in Westminster’s Portcullis House calling on media regulator Ofcom to do more to enforce diversity in the media industry.
Sir Lenny, aged 58, said: “Diversity (in the media) is not a luxury, but utterly, absolutely and completely essential.
“There has definitely been progress but I am sounding the alarm that this progress may all come to nothing.
"Ofcom has completed consultation on how the BBC’s performance should be measured but its headline is fake diversity, Milli Vanilli diversity.
"It says it will set the BBC target of on-screen diversity but will not set targets for diversity behind the camera.”
An Ofcom spokesperson said: “Improving diversity in broadcasting – behind and in front of camera – is a priority for Ofcom.”
