Channel 4 refuses to publish racism report as leaked emails reveal internal turmoil over replacing ‘BAME’ acronym in 2021

EXCLUSIVEChannel 4 has refused to publish the results of an independent investigation into whether it is an anti-racist organisation, saying publication of the document would have a “chilling effect” on internal diversity discussions.

The British broadcaster, which has a special mission to fight underrepresented voices, has blocked the publication of a review by consultancy firm Caerus Executive following a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request from Deadline.

Caerus was briefed by Channel 4 last year, interviewing current and former staff and offering advice on creating a “truly inclusive and anti-racist environment”.

In its decision to refuse publication, Channel 4 said Caerus had provided a “free and open” analysis of the broadcaster’s progress, but publishing the document would “inhibit” internal discussions about implementing the recommendations.

Channel 4 said it was important to create a “safe space for participants to express their opinions and advice in full openness”. Publication would have a “chilling effect” that could affect the quality of decisions, the broadcaster added.

However, this did not stop Channel 4 publishing the results of a similar review by Caerus Executive in 2017. In an email to staff released to the media later that year, CEO Alex Mahon explained Caerus’ conclusions, including the perception that white people have better career prospects. on channel 4.

Since, The Times of London published a story last year in which 10 former minority ethnic employees accused Channel 4 of having a “toxic” culture after a woman signed a secret settlement following a racial discrimination complaint. At the time, Channel 4 strongly defended its record on diversity.

Channel 4 said in a statement today that it is committed to being an open and welcoming organization and that creating an “inclusive culture” is one of its top priorities.

BAME emails

Channel 4’s decision to reject the FOI request comes as Deadline obtained internal emails from 2021 that shed light on the sensitive nature of the diversity debate at the British broadcaster – even as it is linked to progressive ambitions.

The emails reveal that Channel 4’s diversity officers are uncomfortable with the company’s replacement of the acronym “BAME” (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic), despite the alternative being preferred after a survey of members of The Collective, a group employees who advocate for these different backgrounds.

The emails between senior leaders and internal diversity advocates show there is a clear consensus on leaving BAME, but the term Channel 4 now uses for “ethnically diverse” has also been seen as problematic due to its all-encompassing nature.

During the exchange, Channel 4’s head of content Ian Katz, who was not responsible for the BAME decision-making process, admitted it was not a straightforward debate. He said “ethnically diverse” was the collective’s “least unpleasant” alternative.

The emails reveal that Channel 4’s desire to lead on BAME abolition led it to pre-empt a report on the acronym Sir Lenny Henry Center for Media Diversity by seven months. It was released in December 2021 and led to major UK broadcasters abandoning BAME.

The Lenny Henry Center said there was “little general agreement on a new term” among UK broadcasters. It says the television industry should try to avoid “catch-all terms” and be more specific when describing people’s ethnicity. This position was reflected in internal deliberations at Channel 4.

Channel 4 achieves diversity goal

The deadline could show Channel 4 has met its 2023 target to ensure 20% of its staff are from an ethnic background. This represents an improvement on the 19% in 2022. The 20% target was originally set for 2020, but Channel 4 failed to meet the target and was pushed back by three years.

The latest figures from the Creative Diversity Network revealed a mixed picture for diversity on and off screen across Channel 4 programmes. Screen contributions from black, Asian and minority ethnic people increased from 18.5% in 2018-2019 to 19.6% in 2021-2022.

It follows the success of initiatives such as 2021’s Black to Front, a day dedicated to black representation on Channel 4. The project spawned a full series The big breakfasthosted by Mo Gilligan and AJ Odudu.

Off screen it was a different story: according to the Creative Diversity Network, contributions to Channel 4 programs have fallen from 16.2% to 14.1% over the past three years. This is in contrast to the BBC, Sky and ITV, which have all improved behind-the-camera visibility in their programmes. Deadline understands Channel 4’s own figures paint a better picture.

A Channel 4 spokesperson said: “Channel 4 is fully committed to being an open, welcoming and creative organization where everyone can be themselves. “We are constantly challenging ourselves to do more to truly create an inclusive culture, and always will be. a priority for the company’s top leaders. Channel 4 was one of many organizations to drop the term BAME, and staff played a central role in defining a preferred alternative.

“Over the last five years we have made great strides in making Channel 4 one of the most representative and inclusive media companies in the UK and this year we have achieved our target of hiring 20% ​​of all employees and 20% of our top. 100.” the highest paid employees are from ethnic minorities.”