The TV Foundation has announced the launch of a new division aimed at championing social mobility in the television industry.
This initiative comes as a direct response to the impassioned MacTaggart Lecture delivered by esteemed writer James Graham.
New Social Mobility Division
The TV Foundation has embarked on a groundbreaking venture by establishing a new division targeted at enhancing social mobility within the television industry. Inspired by James Graham’s MacTaggart Lecture, this initiative aims to address systemic issues preventing working-class individuals from advancing in their careers.
James Graham’s Influential Speech
James Graham, a celebrated writer known for works such as Sherwood, Dear England, and Brexit: The Uncivil War, delivered a compelling MacTaggart Lecture. In his speech, he emphasised the essential need for increased opportunities for working-class people, often overlooked in diversity and representation conversations. His words have spurred the TV Foundation to take meaningful action.
Leadership and Vision
The new Impact Unit at the TV Foundation will be led by Gemma Bradshaw, who brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at One World Media. She is expected to steer the division with a focus on creating a more inclusive environment within the television industry, encouraging new perspectives and stories to thrive.
Campbell Glennie, CEO for the TV Foundation and the Edinburgh TV Festival, remarked on the power of the MacTaggart Lecture to instigate change. He highlighted that the lectures have historically been a platform for influential voices willing to address deep-seated issues.
Goals and Objectives
The Impact Unit will explore barriers to career progression and establish a pan-sector working group next month. This group will focus on developing measures and monitoring progress, aiming to identify organisations that are ‘Class Confident.’
The unit plans to set clear expectations for employees’ career planning, ensuring that efforts towards social mobility are ingrained in the industry’s fabric.
A Social Mobility Bursary for the TV Festival will be introduced in 2025, providing financial support to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, further promoting inclusivity.
Preparation and Implementation
The TV Foundation dedicated 18 months to preparatory work before launching the Impact Unit. This meticulous planning phase included evaluating the foundation’s existing structures and identifying areas needing urgent attention.
The foundation aims to create a lasting impact by fostering an environment where all voices can be heard, and diversity is celebrated.
Support and Collaboration
The initiative seeks to bring together a collaborative umbrella to address intersectional issues surrounding class and social mobility, convening passionate individuals to drive real change.
Edinburgh is seen as a significant marker for progress, with the TV Foundation looking forward to supporting those invested in creating a fairer industry.
By establishing a supportive network, the TV Foundation hopes to inspire other organisations to adopt similar measures, contributing to a more equitable television industry.
Future Prospects
The launch of the Impact Unit marks a significant step towards addressing class and social mobility issues within the television industry. It paves the way for future initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and representative industry.
The focus on measurable outcomes and continuous evaluation will ensure that the efforts towards social mobility are sustained and adapted as necessary.
Inspiration and Aspiration
Inspired by James Graham’s profound words, the TV Foundation’s new social mobility division represents a hopeful future for many aspiring individuals in the industry.
The establishment of this division highlights the TV Foundation’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within the television industry.
The ongoing efforts and future initiatives promise a more equitable landscape, offering hope and opportunities to many.