IABM launches Diversity Action group to ‘make a real difference’ to diversity and inclusion across the industry
IABM has announced that it will form an industry-wide Diversity Action group with the aim of championing diversity and inclusion in the broadcast, media & entertainment industry and providing a forum for Diversity Action group members to share knowledge, experiences and best practices to drive change and equal opportunity for all.
The decision to form Diversity Action follows the Big Debate session which closed the recent IABM BaM Live! event, where leaders from a number of national and international diversity organisations debated ‘Getting to grips with diversity in Broadcast, Media & Entertainment’. During a lively and informative session, it became clear that the sharing of ideas and best practice could accelerate diversity and inclusion initiatives across the industry.
Announcing Diversity Action, IABM CEO Peter White said: “Almost as soon as the Big Debate started, I could sense a shared ‘lightbulb’ moment where it became obvious to all the participants that collaboration between their organisations would be immensely beneficial in accelerating diversity and inclusion globally. With its international reach and membership, and commitment to connecting and informing the entire global industry, IABM is ideally placed to be the fulcrum of that collaboration – the champion of diversity. We have the facilities, the forum and, most importantly, the commitment to equal opportunity and education to be the industry’s champion of diversity. We can help deliver meaningful action to level the playing field for everyone irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, age or ability difference and so ensure that all have equal opportunity to be the best they can be.”
IABM’s Lucinda Meek, CFO and chair of Diversity Action, and Lisa Collins, head of membership engagement, as IABM’s diversity champions, will be instrumental in setting up and running Diversity Action.
Collins, who chaired the Big Debate, said: “Collaboration is key and IABM is already working with many organisations on a global basis, so it is well placed to raise awareness of the message on diversity, to share experiences and best practices, and drive the change that will make our industry a better place. Working together through Diversity Action we can enhance the health, vibrancy and equality of our industry and raise standards on a global basis.”
“Whether related to accessibility, gender, ethnicity, age or sexual orientation, IABM’s commitment to an inclusive industry is top of our agenda,” said Lucinda Meek. “Announcing Diversity Action is just the first step – we are committed to making a real difference and quickly; it’s all about meaningful action from the ground up, not just another talking shop. We are proactively seeking committed individuals and organisations from around the world to take advantage of the international forum for the exchange of experiences and best practices Diversity Action will offer. We will shortly be convening the first of what we envisage to be regular meetings of Diversity Action, hosted on our new BaM Zone platform.”