Media diversity champion heads to BCU
Leading media diversity champion Marcus Ryder MBE takes up a new role at Birmingham City University on 10 May to examine representation across the UK’s media.
Mr Ryder (pictured) has been named as Head of External Consultancies, at the University’s Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, which was set up to look into diversity across the industry including journalism, acting, film, TV and radio in both front-of-house and behind the scenes roles.
The new role will see the award-winner work alongside academics and industry leaders to explore how the UK’s media reflects its population and to champion better representation across all sectors.
Mr Ryder, who has spent over 25 years working in the media and has led major campaigns challenging government and industry to increase representation in the media, has championed the need for greater visibility and opportunities for women, ethnic minorities and disabled people working in the film and television industry. In 2019 he gave evidence to the House of Lords on how to increase diversity in broadcast media.
Speaking about his new role, Mr Ryder said: “I am both honoured and excited to take up the position of Head of External Consultancies at the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity.”
He said: “In just one year the Centre has already been a major catalyst for change in the UK media industry, and has proven how it can be both a critical friend and offer real tangible support to all the major industry stakeholders.
“I look forward to building on our successes and working with practitioners and academics to make our industry a more representative and welcoming place for everyone working in front and behind the camera. Recent events and industry statistics prove there is a lot of work that still needs to be done - that work can only be done through clear academic research and evidence-based policies, I look forward to playing my part in making sure that happens.”
A former head of current affairs at BBC Scotland, he is currently executive producer of new media at Caixin, a financial publication in China. He was previously based in Beijing as the Chief International Editor of CGTN News Digital overseeing the English language digital content of the Chinese national broadcaster
Mr Ryder will officially take up his role on Monday 10 May and will work with university academics and industry leaders to drive the case for increased diversity in the media.
The news bolsters the work of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, which was officially launched in March 2020.
Sir Lenny, who is Chancellor of Birmingham City University, said: “Marcus was instrumental in setting up the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity and I am very excited about him joining the Centre full time. He is one of the most respected individuals in the field of media diversity in the UK and I believe it is an appointment that is instrumental if we want to bring real change to the media industry."
Professor Diane Kemp, (pictured), Director of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, said: “Marcus is hugely influential in the field of media diversity and is considered by many to be one of its foremost strategists. We're delighted he's going to be working on the issue full time from May 10.
“I think this is a significant appointment not just for us at the Centre, but also for anyone concerned to see an improvement in media representation in the UK.”
