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The BBC faces criticism for a job advert openly excludes white applicants

According to RT, the BBC has been criticized for discriminatory recruitment practices after advertising a trainee position that is “only open to black, Asian and ethnically diverse candidates.” white applicants
In the job advert, the successful candidate – described as having a “desire to build a career in the TV industry and a demonstrable interest in BBC Studios” – will get to work on a number of popular programmes, including ‘The One Show’ and ‘The Truth About’ series.
The ad is listed online under a “Positive Action Scheme” designation by Creative Access, a non-profit recruiting company that facilitates entry into creative industries for groups from “under-represented” communities, like ethnic minorities, the disabled and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
Recently, a vacancy for a trainee researcher at the broadcaster’s Natural History Unit in Britsol was also in the news for similarly excluding white candidates. white applicants
RT stated that while the BBC would not reveal the number of training roles similarly advertised to black, Asian and ethnic minorities (BAME), an unnamed spokesman told The Daily Mail that the scheme was “fully in line with the Equality Act.”
“The BBC is a welcoming, inclusive organisation committed to representing and reflecting our audiences,” the spokesman said.
According to the UK’s Equality Act (2010), positive discrimination is unlawful, but “positive action” is permitted for professional development jobs, like trainee schemes and internships, in industries and sectors where BAME groups are under-represented.
Earlier in the year, the BBC published its new ‘Diversity And Inclusion Plan’ (D&I), in which it commits to a “50:20:12” target framework that ensures its workforce is 50% women, 20% BAME groups and 12% disabled. This, the corporation claims, will “better reflect” its audiences.
To reach those targets over the next three to five years, the plan notes, there will have to be a “radical process of transformation within each of the BBC’s divisions, introducing bold, long-lasting initiatives and structural changes.”
Among the initiatives the plan lists include a “significant expansion” of entry-level apprenticeships, opportunities to retain and develop ‘mid-career level’ employees and investing in a yearly leadership programme for under-represented groups.
Around 18% of the BBC’s top earners reportedly come from BAME backgrounds – marking a six-percent rise over the past four years. white applicants
RT reported that BBC the director-general Tim Davie had said when launching the D&I plan, “We must – from top to bottom – represent the audiences we serve. This plan will ensure we are a modern, progressive, welcoming organisation where... background is no barrier.”
However, a number of social media users countered that ability and not racial background ought to be the deciding criterion used to judge a candidate’s suitability.
One person noted that “institutional racism” was the “residual effect of deliberate racism,” reasoning that offering such opportunities only deepens the perception that a person of colour was employed on the basis of race and not merit
RT added that Former Member of European Parliament Andrew Kerr said he would “support the defunding of the BBC” if it did not stop this “appalling racism and discrimination.”
But some users defended the BBC with one person noting that “positive discrimination” has been practiced in “all manner of situations where a certain group was under-represented.” white applicants
Source: RT
Image source: REUTERS-RT
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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