LAUNCH OF 'ASIANS IN MEDIA' NETWORKING GROUP
(28th April, 2003 )

A newly formed group called 'Asians in Media' hopes to redress the imbalance in representation of ethnic minorities in mainstream British media. The group founded by Sunny Hundal and Komal Trivedi, has enlisted the support of prominent media professionals including Yasmin Alibhai-Brown (The Telegraph), Alpesh Patel best-selling business author and columnist for Financial Times and Manisha Tank presenter at the BBC.

The group aims to be an organisation of industry professionals who share the common interests of promoting and fostering the efforts of Asians in the media industry. It is the first website where writers and users can discuss Asian media; read about and receive news of the Asian media industry, participate in an online community and network with each other.

Commenting on the launch of the organisation, the Culture secretary Kim Howells said, "Because television and film play such an important role in the cultural and economic life of Britain, it is crucial that these industries are representative of the nation's rich cultural and ethnic mix, both on and off-screen. I wish Asians in Media every success in their aim to promote Asian talent in British film and television, it will make our industry stronger and our output more attractive to a wider world audience."

The Commission for Racial Equality chair, Trevor Phillips, said: "I welcome this new initiative to increase the representation of Asians in the media but I also regret that it is necessary at all. There may be more minority stars on screen and mike; and there may be a smattering of Asian columnists in Fleet Street, but there is a long way to go before the UK media truly mirrors the diverse make-up of society. I very much hope that Asians in Media can help turn the tide."

"There are fewer more powerful images to prove to our community what we can do, than seeing someone from the community presenting on TV or radio or writing in print. There are few sadder things than talent wasted for believing it cannot do something. AiM is an excellent initiative for increasing representation in the media and harnessing so much latent talent from the Asian community to the benefit of all communities." Alpesh Patel, FT columnist and AiM committee member.

INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE MEDIA?

Click here to visit the Asians in Media website.
Click here to visit the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
Click here to visit the National Union of Journalists website.
Click here to visit the Chartered Institute of Journalists website.
Click here to read about the BBC's search for Talent.
Click here to read about the BBC News Sponsorship scheme.
Click here to read about the BBC TV Researchers scheme.
Click here to read about the Norman Beaton Radio Fellowship.

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