After the Culture Secretary made a joke about BBC’s current “snobbish” approach, 25% of BBC’s workforce will be from less-privileged backgrounds by 2027.
The BBC published its annual plan today. It stated that 25% of the staff will be from lower socio-economic backgrounds by 2027.
The broadcaster has set itself ‘ambitious goals’ to improve its diversity and socio-economic mix, including increasing the proportion of women, those from an ethnic and minority background, those with a disability who work for the BBC.
Nadine Dorries had previously denounced BBC. She described it as “elitist” and full of people who ‘had their mom and dad work there.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries previously slammed the BBC for its ‘snobbish approach’ in hiring staff. Today the broadcasting corporation announced it will aim to have 25% of its staff from lower socio-economic backgrounds
BBC (pictured), today released its annual report, detailing plans to recruit a more diverse workforce in 2027.
In October 2013, Nadine Dorries stated that a BBC regional accent doesn’t work well if it’s pronounced in North West, North East or Yorkshire.
“They speak of diversity, but not about working-class children.
The BBC will work to achieve its 2027 goal, when its present royal charter ends, in part though growing its apprenticeship scheme.
They made an agreement to hire 1000 apprentices within the organization by 2025.
Richard Sharp, BBC Chairman (pictured), said that the annual plan highlights both the opportunities and the challenges in today’s media market.
In February 2021 the BBC announced that they would establish a low-social economic diversity target. This was before Culture Secretary comments.
However, this announcement is only the beginning.
Two months following the announcement of the suspension of the license fee for 2 years starting 22/23, the annual plan was released. It will then increase in line with inflation over the next 4 years.
The corporation acknowledged the licence fee ‘is a privilege’ but said it will be left needing to find £285m in annual savings by 2027/28.
Although details of potential cuts were not shared as the plan said the BBC was in a ‘strong financial position’ for the year ahead because of existing savings measures.
We will announce more details about future reductions in May.
In the coming 12 months, broadcaster’s top priorities are to strengthen impartiality and create distinctive and high-impact content. Transform the BBC’s digital capability and offer; accelerate commercial growth. Deliver reforms; get closer to viewers across the U.K. and manage the effect of the new licensing fee settlement’s first year.
Richard Sharp, BBC chairman, stated that “Our plan highlights both the challenges and the opportunities in the market for media.”
“We will continue to drive changes in our public service, and our commercial operations to meet our responsibility.”