The BBC’s patronising new diversity quota

‘Diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ have become sacred doctrines within many of our major institutions, a religious fervour that has only increased since the senseless death of George Floyd. All across the globe, panicked corporations, desperate to be on the right side of history, have been rushing to meet demands for ‘systemic and structural change’, whatever that might mean in practice.

Not surprisingly, the BBC has been busily doubling down on its efforts to change perceptions of racism from within its own ranks. This week, director-general Lord Hall announced that the BBC will invest £100 million of its TV budget over a three-year period to produce ‘diverse and inclusive content’. Behind the scenes the corporation has set a mandatory target – 20 per cent of off-screen talent must come from under-represented groups, including ‘those with a disability or from a BAME or disadvantaged socio-economic background’.

In a statement, Lord Hall claims that the Floyd murder has ‘made us question ourselves about what more we can do to help tackle racism – and drive inclusion within our organisation and in society as a whole.’