Diversity in the Media Careers event.

On Monday we organised and hosted a media careers event at the Liverpool Screen School to promote diversity in the media industry. This is an agenda that LJMU, the screen school and our industry partners are committed to. Creative Skillset, on their website, write that,

‘Diversity is especially crucial in the Creative Industries. Many of our industries are built on storytelling, which relies on reflecting an audiences experiences back at them. How authentic will audiences find our products if they cannot relate to or recognise themselves in them?’ (Creative Skillset)

At the Liverpool Screen School diversity is recognised as a strength, that by having students and staff from a range of backgrounds and representing diverse perspectives we will generate a more creative and vibrant community and provide all students with a richer experience.

The careers event was attended by pupils and staff from schools and colleges in the North West.

Guest speakers from industry shared their experience of working in the media and the secrets of their success. Their advice to those seeking a career in the media was about making the most of opportunities, always saying ‘yes’ – and not giving up.

Our guest speakers were from left to right, Margaret Burgin – Future Skills Manager BBC, Ngunan Adamu – Producer/Presenter Upfront Show BBC Radio Merseyside and graduate of LJMU Journalism,  Lois Frost – Junior Researcher / Script Reader / Social Media Producer at LA Productions and graduate of LJMU Media Production, Abdullah Quhill – Script Supervisor – Lime Pictures and Tony Morris – ITV Journalist/ Newsreader for Granada Reports.

We were also joined by  Lorraine Sebastian-Francois – President of Liverpool Student’s Union 2015-16, who spoke about diversity in the media and higher education.