What's happened
In his MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival, playwright James Graham criticized the lack of working-class representation in the television industry, revealing that only 8% of TV professionals come from such backgrounds. He urged for a broader understanding of diversity that includes social class, emphasizing its importance for authentic storytelling.
Why it matters
What the papers say
James Graham's MacTaggart lecture has sparked significant discourse on class representation in media. According to Steven McIntosh from BBC News, Graham highlighted that only 8% of TV professionals are from working-class backgrounds, stating, "only a small number of people are bringing their experiences, outlook, stories, culture, to a platform that is meant to reflect all those things back to us." The Guardian's Jim Waterson echoed this sentiment, noting that Graham's call for class to be treated like other diversity categories is crucial for the industry to remain connected to its audience. The Independent further emphasized Graham's argument that working-class audiences consume the most television, making their representation vital for both authenticity and business viability.
How we got here
James Graham's lecture comes amid ongoing discussions about diversity in the media. Recent statistics indicate a significant underrepresentation of working-class individuals in television, prompting calls for change in how diversity is measured and addressed within the industry.
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James Graham OBE FRSL is a British playwright and screenwriter. His work has been staged throughout the UK and internationally, at theatres including the Bush, Soho Theatre, Clwyd Theatr Cymru and the National Theatre.