University News Last updated 07 July 2023
An academic at Birmingham City University (BCU) has won a major international award in recognition of his outstanding work in driving representation and diversity across the media industry.
Marcus Ryder, Head of External Consultancies at BCU’s Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, was recognised as the Percy Qoboza Foreign Journalist of the Year by the US-based National Association of Black Journalists (NAJB).
One of the UK’s leading voices on diversity, both in the media and beyond, Ryder has been at the forefront of the Centre’s research, which has led to many large media organisations committing to significant policy and editorial changes.
“It is an incredible honour for the work I am doing at the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity to be recognised by the National Association of Black Journalists in the US,” said Ryder.
Ryder, a former BBC executive and award-winning journalist, has played a key role the Centre’s work since it was founded in 2020, which includes a 2021 report commissioned by the BBC to address tensions around the use of ‘B.A.M.E’ in the creative industries.
Following the report’s publication, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 adopted its findings and reflected them in each organisation’s editorial and operational approaches. A milestone moment in how media reports on ethnic-minority groups, the research made a significant, positive impact for millions of people across the UK.
Ryder also spearheaded the ‘Black to Front’ initiative, which saw Channel 4 commit to a day of 100% on-screen Black representation in September 2021. A follow-up report from the Centre outlined recommendations for how the broadcaster could cement lasting change – both on and off camera – which formed the basis of new policies and targets announced by Channel 4 last year.
He is the co-founder of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, based at Birmingham City University, an independent research body working to promote accurate representation of all sections of society across contemporary UK media.
Professor Diane Kemp, Director at the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, said: “Marcus is one of the pre-eminent figures in UK media diversity today. This NABJ award shows his relevance and impact on the international stage too and we're very proud that he's been recognised for the leading role he plays.”
Ryder was a keynote speaker at a major event held by BCU at Westminster in November 2022, where policymakers were urged to commit to increasing diversity in the arts, creative and media industries.
He is also the chair of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and one of Variety’s 500 most influential leaders shaping the global media industry in 2023.