Birmingham City University has hired Marcus Ryder MBE to champion better diversity and representation across the UK’s media industry.
Ryder has been appointed Head of External Consultancies at the University’s Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, which was set up to examine diversity across the industry; including journalism, acting, film, TV and radio in both front-of-house and behind the scenes roles.
Working alongside academics and industry leaders, Ryder will explore how the UK’s media reflects its population and to champion better representation across all sectors. He will officially start his new role on 10 May and work with University academics and industry leaders to drive the case for increased diversity in the media; and bolster the work of the Centre, which was officially launched in March last year, as reported.
LEADING MEDIA DIVERSITY CHAMPION
Ryder has spent over 25 years working in the media; and is a leading media diversity champion in the UK, having led major campaigns challenging government and industry to increase representation in the media. He has championed the need for greater visibility and opportunities for women, ethnic minorities and disabled people working in the film and television industry; and given evidence to the House of Lords on how to increase diversity in broadcast media.
“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,” stated Sir Lenny Henry, Chancellor of Birmingham City University. “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, Director of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, agrees: “Marcus is one of the Co-founders of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre and has been involved with us since our launch last year. He 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 10 May. 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.”
CATALYST FOR CHANGE IN UK MEDIA
Commenting on the new role, Ryder stated: “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. 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.”
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