International trade association for broadcast and media technology, IABM, announced that it will form an industry-wide Diversity Action group with the aim of championing diversity and inclusion in the broadcast, media and entertainment industry. The group will provide a forum for its members to share knowledge, experiences and best practices to drive change and equal opportunity for all.
The association recently hosted a Big Debate session on diversity and inclusion during its IABM BaM Live! event. Leaders from a number of national and international diversity organizations discussed “getting to grips with diversity in Broadcast, Media & Entertainment.”
“Almost as soon as the Big Debate started, I could sense a shared ‘lightbulb’ moment where it became obvious to all the participants that collaboration between their organizations would be immensely beneficial in accelerating diversity and inclusion globally,” said IABM CEO, Peter White. “With its international reach and membership, and commitment to connecting and informing the entire global industry, IABM is ideally placed to be the fulcrum of that collaboration — the champion of diversity.”
Lucinda Meek, IABM’s CFO and chair of Diversity Action, and Lisa Collins, head of Membership Engagement will lead in setting up and running Diversity Action.
“Collaboration is key. … Working together through Diversity Action we can enhance the health, vibrancy and equality of our industry and raise standards on a global basis,” said Collins.
“Whether related to accessibility, gender, ethnicity, age or sexual orientation, IABM’s commitment to an inclusive industry is top of our agenda,” said Meek. “Announcing Diversity Action is just the first step — we are committed to making a real difference and quickly; it’s all about meaningful action from the ground up, not just another talking shop. We are proactively seeking committed individuals and organizations from around the world to take advantage of the international forum for the exchange of experiences and best practices Diversity Action will offer.”
Meeks added that the group will shortly begin meeting on the IBAM’s new BaM Zone platform.
