Welcome to Issue Two of Representology - The Journal of Media and Diversity. Since we launched, many of you have shared encouraging words and ideas on how to help create a media more reflective of modern Britain.
On March 30th, we hosted our first public event - an opportunity for all those involved to spell out their visions for the journal and answer your questions. As Editor, I chaired a wide-ranging conversation on 'Race and the British Media' with Sir Lenny Henry, Leah Cowan, and Marcus Ryder.
Our discussions and the responses to illuminating audience interventions gave us a theme that runs through this issue - capturing experiences and documenting struggles. As illustrated in a number of the following articles, people have been fighting for decades to push for positive change within established institutions in press and broadcasting. Over the years, there have been great victories - however, in many instances, media workers who have raised concerns about poor work and hiring practices have had doors slammed in their faces.
We have found a willingness from people - experienced equal rights campaigners around disability and race, for gay and women’s liberation - to share their stories in our journal, buttressed by exclusive and robust academic research. We include these pieces not as mere reminiscences - we hope to play a role in confronting institutional amnesia and inspire a new generation of media professionals to diversify their industry. Meaningful change to the media can only come about if we break down existing barriers and build on the work of those who went before us.
In the previous edition of Representology, we invited applicants to join our editorial board, and I am delighted to welcome its three newest members - Dr Wanda Wyporska, Lucy Brown and Alison Wilde - who between them bring a wealth of experience to this developing project. As ever, if you are interested in contributing, or wish to send your views and suggestions for future issues, please write to us.
K Biswas
Editor