UK broadcast bosses react to criticism in Creative Diversity Network report
Top execs at the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, 5, Sky and UKTV have reacted to the Creative Diversity Network’s (CDN) annual report for 2025, which shows past increases in the representation of black creatives off-screen have stalled in the UK.
CDN’s annual Diamond reports are used by the industry to shows areas where progress has stalled or drifted backwards, as well as where evidence-based action taken across the industry is yielding results.
The report for 2025 paints a mixed picture for the UK industry, with the proportion of contributions made by black, Asian and minority ethnic groups shown to have decreased in 2025 both on and off-screen.
However, off-screen representation of disabled people grew across almost every genre from 8.9% to 10.9% over the past year, while on-screen representation climbed from 9.3% to 11.3%, the report finds.
Senior executives at each of the main UK broadcasters, as well as UK producers’ trade body Pact, have responded to the findings..
Kate Phillips, chief content officer at the BBC, said: “The latest Diamond reporting highlights the progress our industry is making on representation, while also showing where there is still more work to do. The BBC remains committed to using these insights, working with partners across the industry to improve representation and ensuring our content and the people who make it, fully reflect the audiences we serve.”
Priya Dogra, chief executive at Channel 4, said: “Channel 4 has always believed that better representation leads to better storytelling, stronger creativity and a more inclusive industry. We welcome the progress shown in the latest report, particularly the growth in representation of disability and ethnicity across Channel 4 programmes.
“We remain committed to creating opportunities for talented people from every background, removing barriers to progression, ensuring the content we make reflects modern Britain and drives lasting change.”
ITV CEO Carolyn McCall said: “This year’s report demonstrates encouraging improvements in areas like disability representation and writing, but by showing where progress has stalled it also provides a reminder that sustainable improvements will only be delivered through systemic, embedded change.
“At ITV, we remain completely committed to driving this structural shift through our £80m [US$106m] Diversity Commissioning Spend, which underpins our wider work to connect and reflect society through our content, making what matters.
“Tackling these industry and society-wide challenges requires collective action, and we will continue to work closely with our industry partners to find solutions, using the new Diamond system to track our shared progress.”
Reemah Sakaan, president of 5, said: “The latest Diamond report is an important reminder of why clear, consistent data matters. Diamond gives us a shared picture of where progress is being made, where it is slowing and where more focussed action is needed.
“That clarity is essential if we are to keep ourselves on track as an industry and deliver on the commitments we have made to build a more inclusive television sector. At 5, we remain committed to representing all audiences and ensuring our programmes reflect the reality and richness of modern Britain.”
Cécile Frot-Coutaz, chief advertising and content officer at Sky and CEO Sky Studios, said: “The Diamond report is essential because it ensures we make decisions based on evidence, not assumptions. Robust data helps us understand where real progress is being made but, just as importantly, where barriers still exist.
“It reminds us that progress is never guaranteed – it takes sustained commitment and accountability to build momentum and keep it moving. That’s why at Sky we’re focused on creating lasting opportunities for underrepresented talent, both on and off screen.”
Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning at UKTV, said: “We’re proud to see UKTV leading the industry in delivering strong results for disabled representation on screen and in the representation of over-50s talent.
“Just as importantly, the report highlights areas where we need to improve and gives us a clear view of where to focus our attention next. Diamond remains an invaluable tool, and we’ll continue to support efforts across the industry to increase participation, engagement and transparency. With the enhanced TEP platform launching in September this year, we’ll have even richer data to help drive progress.”
Pact CEO Nigel Warner: “It’s encouraging to see improvements being made in certain areas in this year’s Diamond Annual Report, but as ever, there is more to be done. As the TV and film industry evolves, we must all work to ensure that the financial pressures facing the sector do not disproportionately affect those from underrepresented backgrounds.
“The new and improved Diamond monitoring system launching in September will give us even better data to be able to use to create positive change. Pact remains committed to seeing continuous and meaningful improvement in diversity across the industry.”
CDN will launch an enhanced and improved iteration of Diamond, developed in partnership with the UK’s main broadcasters and following extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders across the UK television sector, on September 30.
Reporting using data gathered under the new system will start in 2027/8. Until then, CDN will continue to report on data gathered under the existing Diamond data system.
CDN will also be publishing deep dives into data covering socio-economic status and religion and belief for the first time later this year.
