Diversity in the Media

The Cultural Diversity Advisory Group to the Media (CDAGM) is an independent voluntary group that seeks to ensure quality and diversity in TV, radio, newspapers and other print media. Formed in 1992 and self-funding, the CDAGM has consistently and repeatedly challenged unfair portrayal of members of ethnic minority groups as well as their lack of mainstream access and involvement. This thought-provoking book tells of the barriers to progress but also highlights the positive impact of the CDAGM in relation to institutions such as the BBC, ITV, Newsquest, Westminster Media Forum, DCMS (Department for Culture Media and Sport) and Parliamentary Select Committees.

The work of the group has influenced developments across the UK, where there is now regular dialogue between minorities and representatives of the media/press. As one correspondent writes, 'I remember ... honest debate, amongst honest people, each with an honest desire to make ... the media a more honest reflection of the community it wants to speak to and for' (John Ferrao, Meridian Tonight, see p.123). With its insights about media/press 'gate keeping' and packed with materials concerning the ease and ingenuity with which legitimate concerns can be sincerely attended to or improperly deflected, Diversity in the Media is an invaluable handbook for everyone concerned with democracy, fairness and social inclusion - including programme makers, editors, journalists, practitioners, researchers, students and general readers. Diversity in the Media contains contributions and correspondence from and between a range of people with direct experience of the events described in this book, including Nigel Kay; Andy Griffee; Eve Turner; Peter Fincham; Michael Grade; Tim Daykin; Elaine Johnson; Robin Britton; John Ferrao; Ian Murray; Mary Venetia Genis; Di Bernstein; Don John; Yuri Layhe; Parvaneh Farid and Hazel Tan. 'If we can take some comfort from this publication, it is that the path to recognition and acceptance of minority rights and concerns is never easy. The book will serve as a useful reminder and inspiration to those who come after us to continue the fight': Journal of Immigration Asylum and Nationality Law.

Anver Jeevanjee is the founder and president of the CDAGM. He has a rich history of voluntary roles, including as a member of the first non-racial United Kenya Club in Nairobi (1964-69), the Anti-apartheid Movement, Parole Review Board, Board of Visitors (1989-2000) and as a private prison escort and patron of National Action for Prisoners' Families Support Groups (from 1991). He served the judiciary dealing with Social Security, Child Support and Asylum and Immigration appeals (1982-2004) and was a member of HM Prison Service Race Relations Policy Group at headquarters (1992-1998). He is currently a member of the International Association of Refugee Law Judges, various prison reform groups, the National Black Prisoners' Support Group, Restorative Justice in the Community and Prisons, the International Association for Cultural Diversity in the Media (based in Ottawa), Voice of Listeners and Viewers (UK), the Parliamentary Media Forum, Nacro Young Offenders Committee and Southampton Seniors Council (of which he is the chair). His travels have taken him to penal and media institutions, courts and British embassies worldwide. He has published many research papers and made various submissions to Parliamentary Select Committees of Her Majesty's Government.