A black face at the front of BBC4?

Reports from TV industry bible Broadcast provide a curious insight into the method of selection for BBC channel controllers. The job of BBC4 controller, long a sandbox for schooling BBC2 heads (Roly Keating being a current example) is reportedly being ‘downgraded’ to a less senior position – thus allowing ‘some’ black and minority ethnic (BME) candidates to apply. This is quite something when one considers the BBC’s equal opportunity policy:

“The BBC is committed to promoting equal opportunities for all, irrespective of colour, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origins, gender, marital/civil partnership status, sexuality, disability or age.”

The new role would involve the head of BBC4 reporting to that of BBC2 and, when one considers the reality of white, middle-class TV executive land, is more pragmatic than patronising; opening up the market beyond the same old names might prevent another Crouches, or a 72nd season of My Family. Still, the BBC might want to think twice before appearing to imply that black people are only capable of tackling simpler tasks (‘Yessir, Mr BBC2 sir, right away sir!’) – or Broadcast in their reporting, which didn’t bat an eyelid at this detail.