Research News Last updated 01 October
The Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity (LHC) is on the hunt for its next Director following the decision of Professor Diane Kemp to step down after five years in post.
During Professor Kemp’s leadership, the LHC, based at Birmingham City University, has become a powerful force in the media industry, driving change with its research and advocacy.
"It’s been a huge privilege to lead the Sir Lenny Henry Centre through its formative years,” said Professor Kemp, who will continue in her role as Professor of Broadcast Journalism at BCU.
“What we’ve achieved together has exceeded all expectations.
“With the support of Birmingham City University, the Centre is now ready for a full-time Director to take it into its next chapter. I’m proud of what we’ve built and excited for what’s to come."
A co-founder of the LHC in 2020 alongside Sir Lenny Henry, Marcus Ryder and Marverine Cole, Professor Kemp has been a driving force behind its growth and influence, which has extended directly into the heart of British broadcasting.
It advised Channel 4 on its Black to Front Project, which built on the broadcaster’s commitment to improve Black representation on screen and more widely in the TV industry.
It was also commissioned by the BBC to independently review its £112 million Creative Diversity Fund (2021–2024), providing analysis and recommendations to help shape BBC policy.
An independent body, the LHC was also shortlisted for a Times Higher Education award for Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in 2021.
“Our goal was always to offer practical, evidence-based solutions that the industry could act on,” said Professor Kemp. “That’s what has made the LHC so effective - working with broadcasters like the BBC and Channel 4 to drive real change.”
Since playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the LHC, Professor Kemp has overseen or contributed to 21 major pieces of research and eight editions of Representology, a journal dedicated to media diversity, produced in partnership with Cardiff University.
Her tenure has also been marked by thought leadership through public events, panels, and the organisation of the inaugural Sir Lenny Henry Lecture.
As Director, she has exemplified the LHC’s ethos of being both critically collaborative and robustly supportive - straddling the academic and media sectors with credibility and care.
Professor Kemp will continue her work at BCU as Professor of Broadcast Journalism and will remain an active member of the LHC in a part-time capacity.