Talk: LGBT+ Representation in the Media
Review
On 17th February Angus Wyatt, Chair of 4Pride, Channel 4’s LGBT+ network, gave an evening talk at the Museum of Brands exploring LGBT+ representation in the media.
Angus explained that Channel 4 was set up to represent the diversity of culture in the United Kingdom and challenge perceptions. Today they continue to work to improve diversity both on and off-screen, following three essential routes:
- Creating a more inclusive workforce
- Ensuring onscreen portrayals are not only diverse, but authentic
- Striving to remain a driving force for diversity in the industry as a whole
Angus went on to note that today we are past “first representations” of LGBT+ characters in the media, and now prioritise accurate representations. Given that we watch on average 30 minutes of advertisements per day, Angus also observed the importance of inclusive and representative adverts too, as encouraged by the Channel 4 Diversity in Advertising Awards.
The evening ended with a Q&A session and lively conversation between audience members, including representatives from Cancer Research UK, The National Lottery Community Fund, and Celebro Media.
About the Speaker
Angus Wyatt joined Channel 4 in 2013; and works in the Commercial Partnerships team within 4Sales. Angus leads on LGBT+ diversity and inclusion at Channel 4 and was a founding member of 4Pride – Channel 4’s LGBT+ employee network group. Angus has chaired 4Pride for the past 3 years, developing it into an established network which hosts dozens of events every year including panel sessions and film screenings, as well as attending Pride in London. 4Pride was awarded ‘Best LGBT+ Network Group’ at the 2019 British LGBT Awards.
The Museum’s professional development programme is generously supported by The Marketors’ Trust @marketors
