Preserving Britain's TV Industry through Diversity
Impact of Streaming on TV
Nandy fears that if people continue to rely on streaming services, Britain will become a fragmented society. When the shows they make don't mirror and resonate with the country, and don't directly connect with people, they'll switch off. This is evident as we see people leaving TV for streaming or online platforms. It's not just detrimental to the TV industry but to the nation as a whole, as it leads to atomization. She emphasizes that TV won't survive without addressing this issue.For instance, consider a popular drama series that fails to represent the diverse backgrounds of the country. Viewers from different walks of life may feel excluded, leading them to seek entertainment elsewhere. This shows the importance of having a diverse range of shows that can connect with everyone.
Government's Role in Addressing Diversity
This is not the first time Nandy has warned TV industry leaders about the lack of diversity. She admits that the government's information on diversity within the industry is "very, very poor" due to the large number of freelancers. As part of her three-step plan, she hopes to bolster statistics on the industry's workforce, making it difficult for industry leaders to make excuses when the data is clear.She also aims to expand the government's "creative careers programme," which has already been initiated under Labour. This programme, designed and led by the industry and funded by the government, raises awareness about the various jobs available. Since 2023, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has provided funding to enable insiders to work with teachers, parents, and careers advisers to help young people from non-industry backgrounds find their way in.
Diversity in the Creative Industries
Younger adults from working-class backgrounds are four times less likely to work in the creative industries compared to their middle-class peers, according to the Sutton Trust. The charity's research also highlights the extent of the problem in the UK's arts and music industries. For example, 43% of Britain's bestselling classical musicians and 35% of Bafta-nominated actors attended private schools, while only 7% of the British population does.This emphasizes the need to go to schools and help young people not only acquire the necessary skills but also instill the belief that the industry is accessible to them. Attracting diverse young people into the industry is one thing, but ensuring their progress is another challenge.
National Story Initiative
As part of the final step in her plan, Nandy hopes her national story project will thrive. It serves as a means to bring in thoughtful individuals for a better debate on how to address long-standing problems that governments have promised to solve but haven't.She believes that governments don't change things alone; people do, but they need government support. By promoting this initiative, she aims to create a more inclusive and diverse creative environment.
Funding for Grassroots Music Venues
Addressing concerns about funding for grassroots music venues, Nandy wants to implement statutory levies on arena and stadium tickets to raise funds. However, she first wants to see if the industry can "get its own house in order." The voluntary levies are showing promising signs of success, as she has met with musician Ed Sheeran and other industry leaders to discuss this.The Commons culture, media and sport committee has welcomed the government's backing for a levy but has called for a clear deadline for the industry to act. If no significant progress is made, a hearing with the sector will be held in six months.
Nandy also notes that the government is considering various funding models to assist struggling freelancers in the industry, given the prevalence of unpaid internships.