*Proposed Agenda Thursday 30th April 2009

MIKE HAPGOOD (BBC South)

IAN MURRAY (News Quest)

ROBIN BRITTON, Sangeeta Bhabra (ITV)

QUARTERLY MEETING – THE SOUTH’S MEDIA & GROUP

Thursday 30^th April 2009 -12.00 noon to 16.00 hours (approx)

Hosted by ITV Meridian, Forum One, Solent Business Park, Whiteley, PO15 7PA

Chair of the meeting: Parvaneh Farid

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1. Welcome & apologies

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2. Matters arising from last meeting (5^th February 2009)

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3. Media Output reports: BBC, News Quest, ITV & Newspaper Editors

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4. General discussion and advice provided by the group on diversity

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5. Acknowlegement of the Contribution of Soldiers of the New Commonwealth

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6. Coverage of stories to be proposed by the group (if any)

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7. AOB & next rota meeting

Honorine Djenaba-MacDonald

Hon. Secretary

*CULTURAL DIVERSITY ADVISORY GROUP TO THE MEDIA MEETING MINUTES

Date: Thursday 5^th February 2009

Location: Southern Daily Echo, Redbridge, Southampton

Host: Southern Daily Echo

Time: 1300 – 1600

Present:

Parvaneh Farid (chairperson) Sangeeta Bhabra (ITV Meridian)

Jayanti Shah Annamarie Ewing

Anna Lindsay (BBC South) Keith Redbourne (Hampshire Chronicle)

Ping Hua Andy Lai

Marie Costa Don John

Munni Lamb Mo Blake (Salisbury Journal)

Robin Britton (ITV Meridian) Anver Jeevanjee

Mike Hapgood (BBC South) Stephen Bailey (Bmth Echo)

Honorine Djenaba-MacDonald Arif Nasser

Ian Murray (Soton Echo) Palo Almond

Apologies:

Charles Curry (New Milton Advertiser/Lymington Times)

Mark Jones (Basingstoke Gazette) Soraya Hamed Nasirizadeh

Michael Beard (The Argus, Brighton) Nashreen Issa

Toby Grant (Dorset Evening Echo) Yuri Layhe

Joe Scicluna (Andover Advertiser) Kiki Maurey

Alan Marriott (Isle of Wight County Press) Mohammed Riyami

Brien Beherall (Newbury Weekly News) Khatra Roles

Mark Waldron (The News, Portsmouth) Amarjit Singh

Graeme Moir (Reading Evening Post) Veena Spratt

Wangui Wan Goro

Matters arising from Last Minutes:

Parvaneh welcomed everyone to the meeting at the Southern Daily Echo offices in Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge.

Anver mentioned that the election of Barack Obama In the United States owed a debt to Martin Luther King, and whereas the report of his election had been widely covered there had been no media attention paid to the anniversary event of Martin Luther King's death held at Westminster Hall and Abbey, which Anver had attended.

Minutes of Last Meeting and Book Launch were Accepted

AGENDA

Item 1 - Media Output Reports

BBC South

Mike reported that BBC annual savings set a target of 3%, which made it difficult to recruit new staff and in fact they were losing staff through voluntary redundancies and retirement. There were further problems for the BBC in the regions where talented staff from ethnic backgrounds were snapped up and taken to London. However, locally in the south BBC has two new weather presenters and one is from Pakistan. Other staff have been recruited from ethnic backgrounds and the BBC in the South has exceeded its targets for members of staff from ethnic backgrounds

Mike mentioned BBC coverage of Black History Month, Zimbabwe and also Barack Obama's stepmother. A large screen has been created in Portsmouth which was working well, however Southampton City Council have turned down a similar offer.

The BBC decision not to broadcast the appeal for Gaza had led to demonstrations in Oxford, a small demonstration at Caversham, but nothing in Southampton.

The group raised questions on Gaza, more local appeals for foreign disasters in general, the new BBC Persian TV Service, more representation of ethnic minorities at higher levels in BBC, the Obama election and its local impact, Carol Thatcher, coverage of human rights abuse in Iran, and the internal structure of culture of the BBC.

Southern Daily Echo – Notes taken by Honorine

Ian reiterated that he does not give a list of what Southern Daily Echo has done in terms of diversity. He acknowledged that they do make errors. He asked that people should raise issues as we go along, including ideas and suggestions, rather than storing them up to bring to such meetings – it is a learning process.

He mentioned that the challenges papers face are the serious credit crunch, a reduction in papers sold, lack of recruitment. His paper faces a similar situation to the BBC in terms of BME staff that are trained but subsequently ‘poached’. He is very conscious that the newsroom and the whole of the Echo do not fully represent the community they serve but have an open-door policy not a quota system. For example, the echo is involved with other media in recruitment, placement programmes for 15 year olds and above to get experience, going to schools to open youngsters’ eyes to the world of journalism, etc.

The other challenge is how to continue to provide coverage to the whole community in “shrinking” paper internally and externally. However, he is not giving up. The group asked questions on who to contact in papers, not enough take-up of local issues, questioned why newspapers were not up-front about the chances of getting items used, concerns over letters to newspapers appearing too right wing.

ITV Meridian

Robin explained changes to presenting at Meridian. Sangeeta will co-host Meridian with Fred Dinenage. Sangeeta explained how ITV are working to ensure coverage of diversity in the region by focusing on the drawing up of Diversity Contracts. Sangeeta explained how diversity is ingrained in the company including the appointment of a Diversity Manager. Meridian ITV are drawing up a strategy that all newsrooms will adhere to and there will be ITV fixers - campaign to show how people from communities are working to improve their communities. Meridian have introduced monitoring on ITV of diversity and diversity training is on-going as well as addressing ageism and disability (visit Diversity Forum at ITV.com). The group asked that ITV present more positive images of cultures and not just controversial issues.

Around the Table

The following issues were raised as possible stories or items for considerations by the CDAGM:

v Munni: The anniversary of the Iranian revolution and its history, and how we came to the present day situation. Coverage of the Iranian New Year.

v Munni: Focus on Crime Stoppers as a group - non-police

v Palo: Focus on the United Nations Association - she is giving a talk on global health issues affecting women at 12 noon on 21st February, Baptist Church, Bedford Place, Southampton.

v Palo: Health and inequalities of post-natal depression - difficulties in getting access to services for minority groups.

v Anver: Derogatory language (Paki/Golliwog) is an imprisonable offence - careful it does not creep into newspapers.

v Keith: Called on members to contact him for Hampshire Chronicle with good news as well as the negative.

v Annamarie: In September the school curriculum for secondary schools will widen to look more at diversity issues.

v Steven: Found the meeting very interesting. Agreed to talk to his editor about topics raised.

v Barbara: List of ideas for the communities she works with:

(1) Cross-cultural love stories - five years of young people in relationships, and how love overcame barriers. Club and baby club now formed.

(2) Polish returning home, turbulent relationship with Polish Government - Prime Minister calling them home - not many going. Polish Consul to visit Southampton.

(3) Exploitation of Polish women - light at the end of the tunnel.

v Don: Headlines on stories can cause inflammation - care needed.

v Ian: Voiced concerns over xenophobia as recession bites. Agreed to supply name of Communities Reporter to group contacts.

v Maria: African Women's Forum, Portsmouth - looking to stage a series of African films made in Africa. Coverage needed to provide support.

v Africapella singing - includes people from all backgrounds singing in the community - all are volunteers.

v Call on schools to give more coverage to United Nations and how it was founded.

v Andy: Chinese Association happy to liaise with other groups. China earthquake 12th May anniversary - he may visit to donate money raised.

v Don: One in every ten families is of mixed race - Southampton has a higher number compared to other cities.

v BBC: Now using their production shows - Big Question - showing other ways of becoming involved with the BBC.

v Jayanti: Must take a lesson from the election of Obama in America - everyone considers themselves American. In Britain the media decides that people are minorities when we are all British.

v Parvanah: Although we live here and are local, we are affected by what has happened at home. Issued open letter from Iranian academics and journalists.

*Agenda 2nd February 2009

MIKE HAPGOOD (BBC South)

IAN MURRAY (News Quest)

ROBIN BRITTON & SANGEETA BHABRA (ITV)

QUARTERLY MEETING – THE SOUTH’S MEDIA & GROUP

Thursday 5^th February 2009 -12.00 noon to 16.00 hours (approx)

Hosted by Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge, SOUTHAMPTON SO16 9JH - Tel: 023 8042 4536

Chair of the meeting: Parvaneh Farid

Matters arising from minutes of the last meeting (10^th April 2008) hosted by BBC South and the Southampton launch of ‘Diversity in the Media’ by the Group (3^rd July 2008 - photos & video by Parvaneh)

Proposed Agenda

1. Media Output reports: BBC, News Quest & ITV

2. General discussion and advice provided by the group on diversity

3. Newspaper Editors (13) of the region introduced by Ian Murray as our new partners

4. Coverage of stories to be proposed by the group (if any)

5. AOB & next rota meeting

Honorine Djenaba-MacDonald

Hon. Secretary

*Notes of CDAGM Book Launch

Notes of the ‘Diversity in the Media’ Book Launch

3^rd July 2008 at the Southampton Solent University Conference Centre

Sir James Matthew Building, 157-187 Above Bar Street, Southampton

Welcome & Opening Remarks

The launch was attended by CDAGM members, local media and invited guests and was opened with welcome remarks by Parvaneh Farid, CDAGM Chair.

Anver Jeevanjee, President of CDAGM, also welcomed everyone present and thanked the committee. He mentioned that the CDAGM was a unique, diverse and wholly independent, voluntary, self help group that has ‘shunned’ public funding in order to maintain its autonomy. He explained that the book was in line with what a variety of well-established visible minority role models in the British media are saying about the shortcomings in the output and portrayal on the screen, print media and radio.

Speakers

This was followed by speeches and presentations by the main speakers, Pauline Brandt, former BBC South newsreader, Sangeeta Bhabra, ITV Meridian, Mike Hapgood, Head of BBC South and Ian Murray, Editor, Southern Daily Echo.

These are summarised in these notes. However, you can listen to and read the speeches on our blogspot at http://cdagm.blogspot.com/

In her speech, Pauline Brandt emphasised two-way communication in engaging with diverse audience. She clarified that the gains for the Media to ‘mirror the community’ has been hard won in America but the task is far from completed and must not be taken for granted. She thanked Anver for documenting the history of the Cultural Diversity Advisory Group to the Media so that its history does not become hearsay.

Mike Hapgood gave some of his thoughts on the media’s portrayal of the diverse community we live in, and why solving some of our problems has proved so difficult. He mentioned that he was heartened to report on increased numbers of women journalists and correspondents (e.g. Anna Lindsay, Senior Correspondent at BBC South). He believes that the difference between what the ‘power-brokering elite’ think and what audiences think is important. He finds it extremely difficult to change the fact that there has not been much change behind the camera despite diverse portrayal on screen. Equal opportunity policies to deal with this are not always effective mainly because of the ‘recognise yourself’ and ‘replicate’ factor. Issues of equality and access are more far-reaching and complex.

Ian Murray gave the background to his relationship with the CDAGM and mentioned that he was happy to support this event. He admitted that while it has been difficult to represent correctly and properly ethnic minorities, newspapers pander to the majority in order to sell papers. Although the initiatives have not worked, there is a need to look into best practice in order to move forward. He will not be giving up and his ambition is to bring more colleagues from the print media to attend CDAGM. He agrees that the CDAGM is unique and is privileged to be part of it.

Bryan Gibson, Waterside Press, spoke briefly to give his best wishes on the launch and book sales. He mentioned that it was unusual for his company to publish this book as they normally publish books on the criminal justice field. Publishing the book was a lesson in persistence in order to make headway. There is a flow in the book that illustrates the gains Anver made despite periods when he was deflected.

Sangeeta Bhabra, spoke about her involvement with CDAGM and what it has meant to her as a journalist. She has found the group an invaluable tool which has helped her be more valuable to her work organisation. Through the group she has set up contacts within communities; diverse people from different backgrounds, walks of life and interests. She has met people in the safe and informal environment at CDAGM meetings who are passionate about diversity and been able especially to have debate about subjects such as race.

This has opened up stories in communities, unrelated to ethnicity and educated her organisation on what is happening in the world and the relevance to their viewers. It has given them a fresh look and different ways of looking at subject matter.

ITV publish a policy document that examines how to make programmes better (as well as how to raise revenue for the organisation) ITV regional news now has a formal structure to make sure that diversity is part of what they do on a daily basis. Sangeeta recognises that there is still a lot of work to be done although the South is slightly ahead. She hopes that through the relationship with CDAGM and the group continuing to challenge what ITV put on screen they will continue to improve.

There then followed a showing of extracts of the book launch in London.

Question and Answers

A coffee break was followed by questions and answers to a panel of CDAGM members and the local media. The questions and discussions focussed on the portrayal of BMEs in the media and the need for fair and positive stories as well as representation of culturally diverse audiences.

‘What The Future Holds For Us’

Don John, CDAGM member, mentioned that the quality of the work in which we have been involved is measured by progress. The Media has come to diversity by commercial imperative. We have made progress as some people in the media are working to make a change. The record in the South is better. He suggested Black and Minority Ethnic people need to organise ourselves in such a way as not to be ignored. They should use opportunities, contacts and the ‘bother factor’ to get their voices heard. They need to invest in young people too and recruit them to work on the bother factor.

Closing Remarks & Book Signing

Parvaneh closed the event thanking the audience, active CDAGM members as well as Adam Jeevanjee, photo editor for the book.

Those present continued to mingle while some had their books signed.

Anver proposed a vote of thanks to Parvaneh and Dennis proposed a vote of thanks to Anver.

*Meeting Minutes Thursday 10 April 2008

Notes of the ‘Diversity in the Media’ Book Launch

3^rd July 2008 at the Southampton Solent University Conference Centre

Sir James Matthew Building, 157-187 Above Bar Street, Southampton

Welcome & Opening Remarks

The launch was attended by CDAGM members, local media and invited guests and was opened with welcome remarks by Parvaneh Farid, CDAGM Chair.

Anver Jeevanjee, President of CDAGM, also welcomed everyone present and thanked the committee. He mentioned that the CDAGM was a unique, diverse and wholly independent, voluntary, self help group that has ‘shunned’ public funding in order to maintain its autonomy. He explained that the book was in line with what a variety of well-established visible minority role models in the British media are saying about the shortcomings in the output and portrayal on the screen, print media and radio.

Speakers

This was followed by speeches and presentations by the main speakers, Pauline Brandt, former BBC South newsreader, Sangeeta Bhabra, ITV Meridian, Mike Hapgood, Head of BBC South and Ian Murray, Editor, Southern Daily Echo.

These are summarised in these notes. However, you can listen to and read the speeches on our blogspot at http://cdagm.blogspot.com/

In her speech, Pauline Brandt emphasised two-way communication in engaging with diverse audience. She clarified that the gains for the Media to ‘mirror the community’ has been hard won in America but the task is far from completed and must not be taken for granted. She thanked Anver for documenting the history of the Cultural Diversity Advisory Group to the Media so that its history does not become hearsay.

Mike Hapgood gave some of his thoughts on the media’s portrayal of the diverse community we live in, and why solving some of our problems has proved so difficult. He mentioned that he was heartened to report on increased numbers of women journalists and correspondents (e.g. Anna Lindsay, Senior Correspondent at BBC South). He believes that the difference between what the ‘power-brokering elite’ think and what audiences think is important. He finds it extremely difficult to change the fact that there has not been much change behind the camera despite diverse portrayal on screen. Equal opportunity policies to deal with this are not always effective mainly because of the ‘recognise yourself’ and ‘replicate’ factor. Issues of equality and access are more far-reaching and complex.

Ian Murray gave the background to his relationship with the CDAGM and mentioned that he was happy to support this event. He admitted that while it has been difficult to represent correctly and properly ethnic minorities, newspapers pander to the majority in order to sell papers. Although the initiatives have not worked, there is a need to look into best practice in order to move forward. He will not be giving up and his ambition is to bring more colleagues from the print media to attend CDAGM. He agrees that the CDAGM is unique and is privileged to be part of it.

Bryan Gibson, Waterside Press, spoke briefly to give his best wishes on the launch and book sales. He mentioned that it was unusual for his company to publish this book as they normally publish books on the criminal justice field. Publishing the book was a lesson in persistence in order to make headway. There is a flow in the book that illustrates the gains Anver made despite periods when he was deflected.

Sangeeta Bhabra, spoke about her involvement with CDAGM and what it has meant to her as a journalist. She has found the group an invaluable tool which has helped her be more valuable to her work organisation. Through the group she has set up contacts within communities; diverse people from different backgrounds, walks of life and interests. She has met people in the safe and informal environment at CDAGM meetings who are passionate about diversity and been able especially to have debate about subjects such as race.

This has opened up stories in communities, unrelated to ethnicity and educated her organisation on what is happening in the world and the relevance to their viewers. It has given them a fresh look and different ways of looking at subject matter.

ITV publish a policy document that examines how to make programmes better (as well as how to raise revenue for the organisation) ITV regional news now has a formal structure to make sure that diversity is part of what they do on a daily basis. Sangeeta recognises that there is still a lot of work to be done although the South is slightly ahead. She hopes that through the relationship with CDAGM and the group continuing to challenge what ITV put on screen they will continue to improve.

There then followed a showing of extracts of the book launch in London.

Question and Answers

A coffee break was followed by questions and answers to a panel of CDAGM members and the local media. The questions and discussions focussed on the portrayal of BMEs in the media and the need for fair and positive stories as well as representation of culturally diverse audiences.

‘What The Future Holds For Us’

Don John, CDAGM member, mentioned that the quality of the work in which we have been involved is measured by progress. The Media has come to diversity by commercial imperative. We have made progress as some people in the media are working to make a change. The record in the South is better. He suggested Black and Minority Ethnic people need to organise ourselves in such a way as not to be ignored. They should use opportunities, contacts and the ‘bother factor’ to get their voices heard. They need to invest in young people too and recruit them to work on the bother factor.

Closing Remarks & Book Signing

Parvaneh closed the event thanking the audience, active CDAGM members as well as Adam Jeevanjee, photo editor for the book.

Those present continued to mingle while some had their books signed.

Anver proposed a vote of thanks to Parvaneh and Dennis proposed a vote of thanks to Anver.