UK broadcasters are obligated to stop using the term BAME “where possible” – deadline

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Broadcasters in the UK have committed to stop using the acronym BAME “where possible” in the interest of privacy, as recommended in a report from the Lenny Henry Center for Media Diversity.

In a rare joint press release, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Viacom-owned Channel 5 said they would all try to move away from the “term”, which research found lacking confidence around it due to the belief that it was used to hide shortcomings in the representation of certain ethnic groups.

The statement, which was supported by quotes from the diversity heads of all major broadcasters, said.

Instead, networks will use more specific terms when available as part of the industry’s drive to focus on increasing representation and promoting diversity, inclusion and equity.

If necessary for use, the report recommended dividing BAME entirely where possible as “Blacks, Asians, and Ethnic Minorities” or individual groups being referred to entirely when broadcasters are more specific.

He raised concerns about the use of alternatives such as ethnic minorities or people of color and said that there are a number of emerging terms such as “black majority and cosmopolitan” which, while “may have advantages”, lack general consensus.

The 71-page in-depth review, written by Sarita Malik of the Lenny Henry Center, Marcus Ryder, Stevie Marsden, Robert Lawson and Matt Gee, said use of the term has proliferated since the Black Lives Matter protests last summer, at a time of “privacy and disparity.” The minute” is really what was needed.

“Perhaps not surprisingly, the data finds widespread inconsistency, even rejection of the term,” the report concluded. It should be noted that the source of the fears and the basis for their rejection also differ, which only highlights the heterogeneity between the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

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