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The BBC faces criticism for a job advert openly excludes white applicants

According to RT, the BBC has been criticized for discriminatory recruitment practices after advertising a trainee position that is “only open to black, Asian and ethnically diverse candidates.” white applicants
In the job advert, the successful candidate – described as having a “desire to build a career in the TV industry and a demonstrable interest in BBC Studios” – will get to work on a number of popular programmes, including ‘The One Show’ and ‘The Truth About’ series.
The ad is listed online under a “Positive Action Scheme” designation by Creative Access, a non-profit recruiting company that facilitates entry into creative industries for groups from “under-represented” communities, like ethnic minorities, the disabled and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
Recently, a vacancy for a trainee researcher at the broadcaster’s Natural History Unit in Britsol was also in the news for similarly excluding white candidates. white applicants
RT stated that while the BBC would not reveal the number of training roles similarly advertised to black, Asian and ethnic minorities (BAME), an unnamed spokesman told The Daily Mail that the scheme was “fully in line with the Equality Act.”
“The BBC is a welcoming, inclusive organisation committed to representing and reflecting our audiences,” the spokesman said.
According to the UK’s Equality Act (2010), positive discrimination is unlawful, but “positive action” is permitted for professional development jobs, like trainee schemes and internships, in industries and sectors where BAME groups are under-represented.
Earlier in the year, the BBC published its new ‘Diversity And Inclusion Plan’ (D&I), in which it commits to a “50:20:12” target framework that ensures its workforce is 50% women, 20% BAME groups and 12% disabled. This, the corporation claims, will “better reflect” its audiences.
To reach those targets over the next three to five years, the plan notes, there will have to be a “radical process of transformation within each of the BBC’s divisions, introducing bold, long-lasting initiatives and structural changes.”
Among the initiatives the plan lists include a “significant expansion” of entry-level apprenticeships, opportunities to retain and develop ‘mid-career level’ employees and investing in a yearly leadership programme for under-represented groups.
Around 18% of the BBC’s top earners reportedly come from BAME backgrounds – marking a six-percent rise over the past four years. white applicants
RT reported that BBC the director-general Tim Davie had said when launching the D&I plan, “We must – from top to bottom – represent the audiences we serve. This plan will ensure we are a modern, progressive, welcoming organisation where... background is no barrier.”
However, a number of social media users countered that ability and not racial background ought to be the deciding criterion used to judge a candidate’s suitability.
One person noted that “institutional racism” was the “residual effect of deliberate racism,” reasoning that offering such opportunities only deepens the perception that a person of colour was employed on the basis of race and not merit
RT added that Former Member of European Parliament Andrew Kerr said he would “support the defunding of the BBC” if it did not stop this “appalling racism and discrimination.”
But some users defended the BBC with one person noting that “positive discrimination” has been practiced in “all manner of situations where a certain group was under-represented.” white applicants
Source: RT
Image source: REUTERS-RT
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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