C5 seeks BAME-led prodcos in diversity push

UK terrestrial broadcaster Channel 5 is looking for independent producers owned and managed by BAME off-screen talent to pair with its commissioners as part of a new diversity initiative.

Ben Frow

The Viacom-owned network has teamed up with Simone Pennant, founder of diversity campaign group The TV Collective, and is seeking nine small- or medium-sized companies to work with.

The firms will be primarily from outside London, owned and managed by BAME off-screen talent, and each will be matched with one of C5’s nine-strong commissioning team and receive development support and funding.

The TV Collective will help create a shortlist of prodcos to be considered and the nine successful companies will be chosen over the summer.

The programme is open to producers of all genres, from specialist factual to features and from drama to documentaries.

C5 said the initiative supports its “ambition of creating a slate of popular and mainstream programmes that reflect contemporary Britain.”

Ben Frow, director of programmes for C5, added: “We’re looking for producers who have a burning ambition to make mainstream and populist programming that will deliver a large audience to Channel 5.

“The objective of the programme is not about producing niche programming; we are opening the door to ambitious and talented BAME-run indies who can deliver content with broad appeal across all our key genres, and most importantly, offer programming ideas that will resonate with viewers.”