Serious lack of diversity on UK radio, Ofcom says

Ethnic minorities, disabled people and women are all under-represented in the UK’s radio industry, according to a new study revealing a lack of diversity across the sector’s workforce.

The report from broadcasting regulator Ofcom, ‘Diversity and Equal Opportunities in Radio’, revealed the scale of the diversity challenge facing the sector.

It covered 16 organisations with more than 20 employees, and focussed on three of the main radio broadcasters – public broadcaster the BBC, as well as privately-held groups Bauer and Global.

The study spanned nearly 9,000 staff across the industry, and found that ethnic minority employees made up just 6% of the radio workforce, with 5% of radio roles going to people who considered themselves disabled.

It also found that women occupied 37% of senior management roles in radio, with many radio companies not fully understanding the wider make-up of their workforce, collecting too little data, or none at all.

Among the 16 companies surveyed, Ofcom said just six provided data on their employees’ age; four on religion or belief; and two on sexual orientation.

Although all organisations provided Ofcom with information on employees’ gender, only 11 of the 16 submitted ethnicity and disability data.

Even then, the regulator said many had gaps in the information they provided.

As such, the radio industry failed to report on the ethnicity of 9% of its workforce, while disability data was missing for 38% of employees.

The BBC offered the most complete set of data, with Ofcom saying it was the only organisation to provide full or partial information across all six diversity characteristics.

“Radio is a powerful, personal medium, with an unrivalled ability to inspire loyalty and speak directly to its audience,” said Ofcom chief executive Sharon White.

“Our radio industry must reflect the breadth of modern society and offer listeners engaging shows that speak directly to their lives and experiences.

“And to do this effectively broadcasters must take further action to attract a wider range of talent, both on and off air.”