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Support for black media professionals Category: uk Dated: 05/08/2004 Top black journalists from the mainstream and independent sectors stressed the need to advance black media professionals at the first anniversary event of Aspire, a support network for black media professionals Aspire was formed in April 2003 when the founding members were frustrated with their own personal experiences to date and wanted to offer a support mechanism to other black professionals in similar positions … It was wonderful to see the enthusiastic networking that went on and we fulfilled our objective. This was to empower individuals and help them feel confident and informed about taking on their next step in this journey … Ms. Uchenna Izundu - Aspire Top black journalists from the mainstream and independent sectors stressed the need to advance black media professionals at the first anniversary event of Aspire, a support network for black media professionals. They acknowledged that both are undergoing fundamental changes; the mainstream is eager to embrace diverse talent from a range of backgrounds. It now recognises the need to connect with audiences from minority ethnic backgrounds as its spending power grows in importance, and race relations tops the political agenda. The independent sector is on the brink of new frontiers as exciting opportunities are delivered by evolving technologies. Increasingly, there is a growing proliferation of new publications and institutions, indicating that it is in good health. Pearson, the parent company of the Financial Times, hosted Aspire’s debate on whether black media professionals should remain in the mainstream or follow an independent path. Batting on the side of the mainstream were Mr. Kamal Ahmed, political editor of The Observer, Mr. David Akinsanya, BBC documentary maker, Ms. Lisa Urquhart, Financial Times reporter, and Channel 4 news business reporter, Mr. Faisal Islam. The independent panel comprised Mr. Vic Motune, deputy editor of The Voice, Ms. Andrea Enisuoh, New Nation columnist, Mr. Kaye Adeniran-Olule, head of marketing at Black Britain – www.blackbritain.co.uk, and freelance tri-media journalist, Ms. Esther Armah. Mr. Kaye Adeniran-Olule said “Professionals who think it is enough to put a black face amongst a sea of white faces and then call it diversity need to get the message”. He also revealed that the Black Britain website plans to launch a radio station. Ms. Lisa Urquhart told members of Aspire that where she worked at the Financial Times, her colleagues are predominantly Oxbridge white males in the office. But the FT she added was finally getting other representation in the newspaper. New Nation columnist Ms. Andrea Enisuoh said: “The big guns better watch out as the independent market is finally thriving. There are new and successful players like The Drum and Sable now who can hold their own”. Ms. Uchenna Izundu, an Aspire board member and organiser of the anniversary launch stated that the event brought together key players in the industry discussing strategies for the future and providing potential entrants with contacts. Freelance tri-media journalist Ms. Esther Armah advised delegates to initiate their own agendas. She said: “The lack of black people in the media is partly because the establishment want to control the agenda. So I say have your own agenda and serve it. Institutions are about their own agendas. Decide what you want to do, decide how you want to do it and pursue it”. Ms. Uchenna Izundu added, ” … It was wonderful to see the enthusiastic networking that went on and we fulfilled our objective. This was to empower individuals and help them feel confident and informed about taking on their next step in this journey …” Aspire was formed in April 2003 when the founding members Ms. Mutale Nkonde and her journalist friend, Ms. Corinne Amoo, decided to establish a group which would connect entry level media professionals with leading industry figures. Both were frustrated with their own personal experiences to date and wanted to offer a support mechanism to other black professionals in similar positions. They called the group Aspire because it would attract the UK’s next generation of aspiring black newsmakers.

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