Lisa Nandy, the new Culture Secretary for the UK, is poised to take a strong stance against the entertainment industry, which she describes as one of the most centralized and exclusive sectors in the nation. This afternoon, during a significant speech, Nandy will assert that the industry should feel ashamed of its shortcomings in representation, specifically highlighting the lack of inclusion from various regions and working-class voices.
Gathering at the RTS event in London, Nandy aims to challenge TV commissioners directly, asking, “If you’re not sourcing content from every corner of the country—small towns and rural areas alongside major cities—what’s stopping you?”
Recent studies indicate that a mere 8% of individuals working in film and television come from working-class backgrounds, prompting increased pressure on broadcasters to diversify their programming beyond London. Nandy’s upcoming address follows notable comments from James Graham, the creator of “Sherwood,” who raised concerns about the inadequate representation of working-class individuals in the industry at last month’s Edinburgh MacTaggart address.
During her speech, Nandy intends to share some startling statistics. She will highlight that only 8% of the TV workforce is from working-class backgrounds, and just 23% of commissions come from firms located outside of London. Furthermore, she will reference a 30% decline in public trust in the media over the past decade, emphasizing that these figures are not set in stone.
Nandy’s aim is to foster a new collaborative relationship between her department and the television industry that is built on mutual respect and understanding. Today’s event will also include appearances from industry figures like Steven Knight, the creator of “Peaky Blinders,” who has recently launched a new studio in the Midlands.
As the industry grapples with calls for change, Nandy’s speech is expected to serve as a rallying cry for a more inclusive and representative media landscape across the UK.