ITV bosses face Black Lives crisis
ALL TOP HOSTS WHITE
BOSSES at ITV are “panicking” over the channel’s lack of diversity, insiders have claimed.
The broadcaster’s chiefs reckon it is vital that they take action across the board in the light of the Black Lives Matter movement.
All of the network’s top presenters are white, including Ant and Dec, Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield and Emma Willis. Other high-profile stars include Piers Morgan, Lorraine Kelly, Stephen Mulhern, Keith Lemon and Davina McCall.
The channel has a handful of non-white stars, but they have relatively minor roles. They include Rochelle Humes, who fronts This Morning when one of its regular hosts is off.
But Loose Women’s black panellists include Judi Love, Kelle Bryan and Brenda Edwards. A telly insider said: “In the light of the protest, it’s been agreed that it doesn’t look good for all of its top shows to have white presenters. “It’s been decided that urgent action needs to be taken. Viewers can expect to see things change within months.” Bosses at ITV plan to bring in non-white stars to front some of its biggest shows and give stars including Rochelle and This Morning’s roving reporter Alison Hammond more prominent roles.
Good Morning Britain presenters Ranvir Singh and Alex Beresford have already been signed for a weekend magazine show.
The channel launched the changes last week by announcing it will create more opportunities for non-white talent.
It will also be hiring a diversity and inclusion director within weeks.
Top ITV boss Carolyn McCall said: “There is clear commitment to accelerate change by creating more opportunities.
“Our plan sets out some of the actions which will create more openings for those from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background.
“I know everyone across ITV will put their weight and energy behind making that happen.”