BBC reveal outcome of GLBT representation report

The BBC has published a new snapshot of the views of audiences and experts on the portrayal of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in UK programming.

Acting director general Tim Davie says, “The BBC has a fundamental obligation to serve all its audiences. In fact, it’s one of the BBC’s public purposes to reflect the diversity of UK life.  I’m proud to have led this work for three years, and this review underlines our commitment and sets a direction for the work to continue.”

The findings by the beeb confirm that the vast majority of audiences are comfortable with the depiction of lesbian, gay and bisexual people on radio, television and online.

The research showed that many lesbian, gay and bisexual people themselves feel they are still under-represented by all UK broadcasters, not just the BBC. Experts urged for more mainstream inclusion in news and current affairs, and more creative and realistic depictions in factual and drama television.

The report into the portrayal of lesbian, gay and bisexual people by the corporation fulfils a commitment to keep the topic on the agenda.

The BBC’s own independently run audience reaction panel will now be used to track all audiences’ views on this over time, to help programme makers understand and meet their expectations.

“The opinions of around 3,500 people on the audience reaction panel, including more than 500 people who identified themselves as lesbian, gay and bisexual, as well as an in-depth consultation of individuals and members of expert organisations including Stonewall, actors’ union Equity and the Lesbian and Gay Foundation.” The BBC state were part of the survey.

Pictured above: The gay character of Syed Masood a recent character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Marc Elliott.