Informed 07 Equality


passionately believe in equal rights for all human beings, and want to advocate for an environment that allows everyone the ability to live their life with dignity. As an equality rep, that means I


advocate for journalists with protected characteristics to be given an equal chance at success as everyone else. No mater your race, sexuality, religion, family background, gender, class, age or any other thing that makes you feel less than, you should tell stories and practice the honourable act of journalism as equally as everyone that has come before you. It is in your heritage as much as everyone else’s. I also advocate for those with no


obvious protected characteristics, but who still could face systemic discrimination. Family abuse, a history of sexual abuse, neglect, poverty, abusive partners and a host of other factors, can oſten make you feel, and act, like you’re not equal to everyone else. I am here to help provide equity to those people by finding ways to remove structural inequalities that prevent them from performing their best in the world of journalism. In practice, the primary thing I do is


keep an eagle-eye out for structural inequality and call it out where I see it. I remain proactive in making sure we recruit staff from all backgrounds. In staff meetings I am vocal if I see too much of a monoculture emerging. Monocultures hinder our ability to do journalism properly - newsrooms should reflect the society they are speaking to, otherwise they lose value.


It also means that when a member comes to me with concerns, I listen and direct them to resources that could help them fight their corner. I atend regular training that keeps me up to date with the latest equality legislation, trends, needs and ethics. I have sat in on discussions between a member and their manager. I recently spoke on a panel with a 40-strong audience at BBC Salford, encouraging people from black and ethnic backgrounds to join the BBC.


I’ve helped an apprentice find their feet and call out bad practice where they’ve seen it.


Truthfully speaking though, the role of equality rep oſten just means being proud and loud to exist as you are, so others feel the confidence to also do so themselves. Sometimes, your very smile is an act of defiance in a polarising world where forces seek to divide us for their own gain. Workplace structures are oſten set up to cater to the majority. And as a news team, we march forward to journalistic success following those structures. But sometimes we forget that there are also minorities who are contributing to that success, and they are sometimes forgoten because they don’t fit into the structure. Tey deserve equal reward. Equal chances at promotion.


Sometimes, minorities can’t fully contribute because the structure doesn’t allow them to - though their passion, ability and competence is no less than the larger group. I see it as my role to identify where these gaps are and address them. I would urge others to come forward as an equality rep because there is still not enough representation in the media that accurately reflects the national demographic. I’ve seen how far a helping hand can


go in liſting people out of workplace dejection. Such people already feel small and don’t want to highlight their smallness by vocalising it. All you need to do is advocate for that person. Te NUJ’s George Viner scholarship


was awarded to me in 2009, which helped me, a British-Bangladeshi, get my first serious job in a newsroom when there were not many of us around. Tat helping hand gave me confidence


to fight for myself when a former employer sought to discriminate against me, because the award gave me a sense of pride and self-recognition. I hope to pass forward those effects of hope on everyone I meet.


Building on


‘Back Te BBC’ Campaigning for government policy change is almost always a long and complex process that requires patience and persistence. It’s positive to see the union’s demands for an updated BBC Charter landing well with decisionmakers and prompting promising commitments. Our Back Te BBC campaign lays out three key priorities: secure funding; proper representation, and real independence. MPs from across the political spectrum have responded supportively to leters from our members calling for them to ‘Back Te BBC’. Aſter meeting our BBC reps and parliamentary group earlier this year, in July the Culture Secretary said that the UK government is “almost certainly” going to pursue worker representation on the BBC board while removing political appointments, noting the “compelling case” the NUJ had made. Te union has long called for at least 25% of board seats at the broadcaster to be filled by employees from non- management roles. To promote greater independence and protect against political interference, the BBC board and its chair should be chosen by an arms-length body. However, the central issue is going


to be the financial future of the broadcaster. Te NUJ continues to urge the UK government to ensure Charter Renewal provides secure long-term funding that reverses the impact of damaging cuts over many years and gives journalists the resources they need. We still await a firm commitment on this issue. Te union is also urging the UK government to urgently intervene to stop cuts to around 2,000 jobs and vital programming.


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