Brown, Lucy, Davies, Rosamund ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8645-8271 and Oyebanjo, Anuoluwapo Olufunke ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6655-9726 (2022) Recognising and addressing unconscious bias and structural inequalities: a case study within television idea development. Alphaville Journal of Film and Screen Media, 8 (24):6. pp. 97-117. ISSN 2009-4078 (doi:10.33178/alpha.24.06)

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Abstract

This article examines the idea development process within the UK television industry and raises the question of who has power and agency within it. Recently, there has been much discussion within the television industry about the commercial and social imperative for greater diversity, inclusion and risk taking in programme making, in order to both represent and appeal to contemporary audiences. However, our research suggests that there is at the same time a sense of disempowerment, a feeling that television culture itself is inhibiting this change and that individuals can do little to influence it. Building on existing research in the creative industries, this case study draws on observations, interviews and surveys carried out within the context of a talent development scheme and wider consultation with television development professionals. We will discuss the reasons for these contradictory currents of feeling, including the ways in which unconscious bias may operate to perpetuate inequalities and exclusions. Our article proposes that recognising and addressing unconscious bias within the idea development process is an important element in the wider process of tackling structural inequality in the television industry through collective action and institutional change.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	diversity; unconscious bias; television
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN0080 Criticism
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences > School of Stage and Screen
Related URLs:	Publisher
Last Modified:	30 Apr 2023 14:54
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/38796

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