Systemic racism in British television has forced out a generation of black talent who quit because they were being ignored or worn down by their experiences, the industry’s leaders were told on Monday. In a devastating critique, the prominent broadcaster and historian David Olusoga said the impact of this “lost generation” could be seen in unrepresentative programmes that failed to reflect modern Britain. Olusoga, who spent the early part of his television career as a producer, said his own experience of the British television industry had left him feeling so “isolated and disempowered” that he was diagnosed with clinical depression. Olusoga said that while television is becoming more diverse on screen, progress at the top of the food chain has been slower. The BBC’s director of content, Charlotte Moore, said the television industry would “not survive” if it did not embrace diversity and highlighted the forthcoming five-part series Small Axe by director Steve McQueen.

Source: The Guardian August 24, 2020 18:45 UTC