Premium Content:

BBC commit to more LGBTI+ characters in new diversity reforms

British national broadcaster BBC have revealed they will ensure more LGBTI+ characters are represented on their channel as part of new diversity reforms.

- Advertisement -

The announcement comes after a recent internal survey of 300 LGBTI staff, which found that many employees considered the broadcaster to be promoting ‘heteronormative culture.’

The survey also revealed that 11% of BBC employees identified as members of the LGBTI+ community, slightly increasing to 12% among senior staff according to The Telegraph.

BBC’s director of radio and education James Purnell said one of the broadcaster’s major challenges is reaching younger audiences.

“In a recent YouGov survey only 51% of 18 to 24-year-olds said they identified as completely heterosexual,” Purnell said.

“An organisation that appears to have a heteronormative culture is not one that is going to cut ice with them either as a consumer or an employee. We’re aiming to create the most open, inclusive culture we can.”

Other recommendations that came from the survey included adopted non-binary language, more support for transgender and gender diverse staff and adopting the acronym “LGBTQ” or “LGBTQ+”.

In 2016, Screen Australia released the Seeing Ourselves report, which showed just 5% of characters on Australian television were LGBTIQ+. Between 2011 and 2015, 27% of programs featured at least one queer characters, with men appearing thrice as much as women. There were only two transgender characters in Australian-made dramas, and no intersex characters.

Latest

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

British comedian Jimmy Carr to play RAC Arena

The British comedian is playing stacks of shows across Australia.

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.