Discovery UK joins Creative Diversity Network

James Gibbons

Discovery UK has joined the Creative Diversity Network (CDN), the industry body working to improve diversity on- and-off screen in the UK TV sector.

The broadcaster will also contribute to the CDN’s Diamond initiative, collecting and reporting diversity data through its online monitoring system.

The CDN brings together the main UK broadcasters to build an industry-wide approach to increasing diversity and inclusion. The organisation’s work includes creating and reporting on a range of initiatives, including the Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded Everyday Diversity project, in partnership with Glasgow University and the BFI, which is creating practical tools for the screen industries, and a partnership with the Edinburgh International Television Festival pioneering accessibility for all for the first time at the festival.

Earlier this year, a CDN review found that UK broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky will miss a deadline to increase the number of disabled people working in the industry by seven years. Its next Diamond annual report is due at the beginning of 2022.

Deborah Williams, CDN executive director, and TBI columnist, commented: “We are delighted to be welcoming Discovery to CDN as we continue to expand both our activities and our membership. Discovery is a significant and important commissioner of content from UK producers. By joining CDN and Diamond they will increase our ability to provide and analyse data on how our industry is performing and help UK television become more diverse and more inclusive.”

Discovery maintains a number of internal programmes to encourage diverse talent, such as its RISE social good initiative, and also runs a number of employee resource groups such as the Multicultural Alliance.

James Gibbons, EVP and GM UK & Nordics, at Discovery, added: “Diversity empowers a wide range of voices and ideas, pushing us and our colleagues in the television industry to think outside the box. At Discovery, we understand the incredible value of diverse talent and we’re excited to continue taking action to create a more inclusive industry with Creative Diversity Network.”