Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in broadcasting is a priority for Ofcom. We are working with the industry to drive progress.
This video explains why we think diversity in broadcasting is so important, and what we are doing to drive change in the sector.
A British Sign Language (BSL) version of the video is also available.
If you have any queries about Ofcom’s role in this area, please contact EDIinbroadcasting@ofcom.org.uk
Our legal powers
Read a summary of our legal powers.
Our guidance
We provide guidance for broadcasters on improving equity, diversity and inclusion in their organisations.
Our monitoring programme
Each year Ofcom collects data from broadcasters on the make-up of their workforces and on the EDI arrangements. We do this via a quantitative workforce survey and a qualitative self-assessment tool. We publish reports setting out our findings.
Ofcom has expanded the breadth of data we collect annually from TV and radio broadcasters’ workforces to help us promote equity, diversity and inclusion across the broadcasting industry. Find out more on our Tools for change page.
Our wider diversity work
We carry out a broad range of work relating to diversity in broadcasting.
We review how well the public service broadcasters (PSBs) – BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and S4C – are meeting additional duties relating to diversity
We hold the PSBs to account for requirements relating to regional TV production and programming
We assess the BBC’s performance against diversity-related obligations in our annual reports on the BBC.
We hold Channel 4 to account for diversity-related obligations, including in our latest periodic review (PDF, 811.7 KB).
We enforce our broadcasting code rules, which include that broadcasters must apply ‘generally accepted standards’ to the contents of TV and radio programmes.
Recent comment
- Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom's Chief Executive, introduces our 2020 diversity and equal opportunities report
- Vikki Cook, Ofcom's Director of Broadcast and Online Content, outlines what we are doing to help broadcasters improve minority ethnic representation in television