Objective
The Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) aims to modernise the representation of ethnic minority groups in mainstream television – making sure that racial diversity, on and behind the screen, reflects Britain’s multicultural society.

Progress
Television broadcasters, including the major networks, the Broadcasting Standards Commission, Film Council and the Independent Television Commission, set up the CDN in October 2000. CDN’s action plan, Changing the Face of Television, formed a blueprint for the group to adapt and implement specific initiatives within their own organisations. The plan contains targets and measures to integrate ethnic minorities into television at all levels, including:

• employment and training initiatives for existing and new ethnic minority talent
• setting up a database of talent
• raising awareness
• ensuring that black and Asian people are hired for roles that aren’t race specific.

The broadcasters review their progress against their individual action plans and implement new initiatives accordingly

As well as supporting and monitoring the progress of the CDN action plan, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport works with broadcasters, regulators and other government departments on cultural diversity issues.