New north England branch to advance cultural diversity

Today sees the launch of Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) North, a northern branch to further its work to improve diversity in British television.
The network brings together the major broadcasting companies - BBC, BSkyB, Channel Four, five, GMTV, ITN, ITV, Pact and SMG Television - to improve ethnic minority representation both on and off air.
CDN members support cross-industry initiatives and share expertise, resources and models of good practice, including: setting targets for ethnic minority employment, including senior executive levels; establishing an online database of ethnic minority talent; modernising the casting and portrayal of ethnic minorities in mainstream programming; and obtaining a comprehensive picture of ethnic minority employment in UK broadcasting.
Nine organisations based in northern England are working together to improve portrayal and staff diversity through a number of initiatives and projects in local communities.
At a launch event at Old Trafford, Peter Salmon - Chairman of the CDN for 2004, and the BBC's Director of Sport and Race Champion – said: "Issues of race and diversity affect all of us. I'm very proud of the big leaps forward we have made in broadcasting in recent years, and pleased that we have been able to launch a website to capture this, but we can't be complacent.
"Partnerships like CDN-North are key to making an impact on the ground - devolution is in the air, not just in the political world but also for the media.
"I want to thank all the organisations who have come together to really give this initiative energy in Northern England, and I'd like to see more of the same across the UK."
Susan Woodward, OBE, Managing Director of ITV Granada, said: "ITV Granada is committed to positively portraying cultural diversity within regional programming.
"We are also committed to devising mid-term and long term community based projects that will encourage members from diverse groups to consider a career in the media.
"Our success to date will be underpinned by the CDN-North and we look forward to a fruitful relationship with our partners."
The CDN website, a source of news and information about the network and its members' activities on cultural diversity, can be found at www.cdnetwork.org.uk
(gmcg)