Broadcast Awards Launch Groundbreaking Inclusion & Representation Prize to Drive Industry Change
LONDON, November 20, 2025 – The Broadcast Awards today announced the addition of a dedicated Inclusion & Representation Prize to its 2026 ceremony, marking the first time the UK television industry’s premier honors will specifically recognize content that champions diversity both on-screen and behind the camera. The move positions the Broadcast Awards alongside global industry leaders in addressing systemic representation gaps in media.
The new prize will evaluate entries based on demonstrable impact in authentic casting, equitable production practices, and storytelling that challenges underrepresentation. Submissions must provide evidence of fair portrayal of marginalized communities, measurable outcomes in workforce diversity, and innovation in narrative approach. The award is open to all programming categories, from drama and documentaries to children’s content and digital-first series.
The introduction reflects mounting industry pressure to move beyond performative diversity commitments. Recent data from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre reveals that while on-screen representation has improved modestly, senior production roles remain 89% white and 66% male in UK television. The Broadcast Awards’ new category directly addresses this disconnect by rewarding measurable action rather than intention. MIPCOM’s Diversify TV Awards, launched in 2023, pioneered this approach by requiring verifiable representation metrics and attracted 165 international submissions across 27 countries in its inaugural year, demonstrating significant industry demand for accountability-based recognition.
“For three decades, the Broadcast Awards have celebrated excellence in British television,” said Sarah Lewis, CEO of Broadcast Awards. “But excellence cannot exist without equity. This prize unequivocally states that authentic representation isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s fundamental to outstanding content. We’re not just changing our categories; we’re helping change the industry’s DNA.” Entries will be assessed by a specialized jury comprising commissioning editors, diversity officers, and community advocates, with evaluation criteria weighted 40% on-screen authenticity, 35% production workforce equity, and 25% community impact.
The Broadcast Awards partnered with the Creative Diversity Network and disability-led consultancy Fuchsia Access to develop assessment frameworks that avoid tokenism. Productions must submit anonymized crew diversity data, evidence of community consultation, and long-term impact plans. The requirement mirrors progressive standards established by the British Film Institute’s Diversity Standards, which have been adopted by major broadcasters including BBC, Channel 4, and Sky since 2019. The prize also aligns with Ofcom’s 2024 representation report, which found that while 14.4% of UK TV roles featured disabled characters, only 5.2% were played by disabled actors—a disparity the new award explicitly aims to correct.
Market research indicates the timing is critical. A 2024 Ofcom study showed 62% of Black, Asian and minority ethnic viewers feel broadcasters inadequately reflect their experiences, while LGBTQ+ audiences rate authentic representation as the primary factor in content loyalty, according to GLAAD’s annual acceleration survey. The prize’s launch coincides with upcoming 30th anniversary celebrations for the Broadcast Awards, with organizers committing to eliminating entry fees for first-time diverse-led productions and providing mentorship for shortlisted teams. The ceremony will take place March 18, 2026, at London’s Evolution venue.
The Broadcast Awards are owned and operated by Future, the global entertainment and publishing group behind Broadcasting + Cable, Next TV, and TVBEurope. The awards recognize achievement in British television production across 28 categories, judged by senior industry figures from commissioning, production, and journalism. The organization attracts over 1,200 attendees annually and reaches 450,000 industry professionals through its media partnerships.
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