±«Óãtv

±«Óãtv Radio & Music has set itself a clear goal: to be the best organisation in the audio sector to work with and for. As part of this and as a radio industry first, £12m of its existing commissioning budget over the next three years will be invested in diverse and inclusive content.

This fund covers new programming commissioned by network radio and ±«Óãtv Sounds from 2021/22 and is open to both in-house and independent production companies. To qualify commissions will need to fulfil certain criteria such as:

• including diverse stories and portrayals
• having diverse production teams and talent
• being a diverse-led company.

These initiatives target areas where ±«Óãtv Radio feel they have the most work to do when it comes to representation, including ethnicity, disability and social-economic background.

June Sarpong, Director of Creative Diversity, said: “I am proud that the ±«Óãtv is accelerating the pace of change and boosting our commitment to diverse talent - with a specific focus on race, disability and class - ensuring that the creativity of some of our most underrepresented communities is unleashed and included.”

She continued: “Building on our Creative Diversity Commitment for TV, these changes will make a huge difference to our Radio and Music teams, the wider audio industry, and what listeners can expect to hear on the ±«Óãtv.”