Only 4 per cent of those who reported racism to a broadcaster felt the complaint was handled effectively.
The extent of racism and underreporting of racism across the film and TV industry in the UK has been revealed in an industry survey.
The findings of the survey were released by the broadcasting union Bectu, which had 61 per cent of ethnic minority respondents reporting they had experienced racism at work.
59 per cent also said they had been a witness to racism at work.
“Our findings confirm that reporting of racism in the broadcasting sector, and the handling of reports, remains inadequate and it’s clear that reform is desperately needed,” said head of Bectu, Philippa Childs.
“Our survey particularly demonstrates that more work is needed to educate people about subtle forms of racism, including micro aggressions, that remain rife in the sector.”
Of those who reported a complaint to a trade union, only 12 per cent felt their complaint was effectively dealt with.
Additionally, only 4 per cent of those who reported an incident to a broadcaster in the UK felt the complaint was handled effectively.
The survey comes after Bectu’s Race to be Heard report in late 2020, which pointed to this being a widespread and common experience in the UK broadcasting industry.
The establishment of an industry-wide reporting body was recommended to investigate systematic racism, provide advice and assistance to pursue a complaint, collect and record incidents and publish an annual report to measure progress.
“This latest survey indicates that little has changed since we last called for an independent racism reporting body and highlights the pressing need for such a body,” Childs said.
“Everyone, unions included, need to do better in helping to stamp out racism in the industry and this can only be done through collaboration and partnership between UK broadcasters and entertainment unions.
“It is now the job of industry leaders to listen to our demands and formulate a racism reporting body.
“It is not too late to tackle racism in broadcasting, and we will maintain pressure until we see real progress.”
