The representation and portrayal of diverse audiences on television – both in general and at the BBC in particular – was considered to have improved over recent years, but there is more that can be done. People's television viewing habits influence their exposure to diversity on television and their perceptions of representation and portrayal. The research identified four areas that contribute in the minds of viewers to successful representation and portrayal.
Diversity off screen – the identity of the writers, editors and producers can influence the people, characters and narratives shown on TV, while the richer understanding of. The research found that, with the exception of BBC Three, the BBC's channels are largely undifferentiated in terms of perceptions of their delivery of representation and portrayal.
CONTEXTUAL FACTORS
We also found that attitudes towards representing and portraying diverse audiences on television are influenced by people's sense of identity, which can be multifaceted and complex. While many participants felt that aspects of their identity should sometimes receive attention, those who felt underrepresented (particularly minority ethnic groups, LGBT and disabled) were sensitive to what they felt was symbolic representation and showing. The research identified four areas where the portrayal and portrayal felt more authentic.
The research shows that all parts of Britain can feel overlooked or, when in the spotlight, only associated with negative topics such as crime. Sports – audiences felt there could be more diverse representation, despite the high visibility of some minority ethnic pundits on Match Of The Day (BBC One).
PEOPLE FROM A MINORITY ETHNIC BACKGROUND
People from ethnic minority backgrounds often expressed a heightened sensitivity to representation and portrayal on television, which stems from the perceived historical and current marginalization of ethnic minority groups within the wider society. Perceived shortcomings in the representation of ethnic minority groups on television Many people from an ethnic minority background did not feel adequately represented in the programs in which they were interested. Some of the older and more affluent South Asian participants were concerned that attempts to address perceived shortcomings in ethnic minority representation could result in “too much” representation on TV.
Perceived shortcomings in the portrayal of people from minority ethnic backgrounds There was sensitivity among many participants from ethnic minority backgrounds about how they were portrayed. Throughout the research with people from minority ethnic backgrounds several themes emerged about authentic portrayal.
LGBT PEOPLE
They wanted their lives to be celebrated, focusing on the positive outcome of their transition, to offset the trauma of the journey. When you put a trans person in a Big Brother house, it's going to be the first time for some people that they come into contact with a transgender person. It's impossible to be accepted if we're always going to be 'the transgender'” (male 18-34 trans London).
There's nothing wrong with either of those, because they're both accurate descriptions, but very rarely do you have like someone who—there's a story about them and they happen to be gay—but it's usually focused on the fact that they're gay. and like fighting about that or whatever” (male 18-34 gay London). I'd like to see someone just be comfortable with their sexuality and I want them to be a normal character” (18-34 bisexual female in London). We found that coming out, for example, seemed to be less important to older and established LGB people.
Sports was the only genre in which portrayal was not considered an issue, although sports were perceived to lack LGBT representation, and it was noted that this shortage extends off-screen to athletes as well. Transgender people were particularly sensitive to the portrayal of transgender people and wanted more to be done to increase the number of transgender characters on TV and to nurture trans actors for those roles. There was a character called Hayley who played a trans woman, but she was born a biological woman so I couldn't relate to it….
I think they [the BBC] should be the frontrunners because they have the luxury of not having shareholders to keep them from doing really populist things all the time. They wanted the portrayal of sexuality toned down and tempered with other aspects of life. They wanted clichéd stereotypes to be replaced by well-rounded people and situations, avoiding extreme portrayals that objectify, sensationalize and treat groups as different.
DISABLED PEOPLE
It is therefore understandable that the representation and authentic portrayal of disabled people on television would be important to many. Another young male participant with a physical disability argued that disabled characters on television tend to be portrayed as downtrodden and dissatisfied with their lives. The representation of disabled people on television was perceived by many across the research samples to have improved over recent years.
Many disabled people argued that there can often appear to be only one actor with a disability, especially in the main soaps, and that tends to be a wheelchair user. They theorized that this might be because it's easier than learning about someone with a more complex or hidden disability that has to be explained to viewers. While soaps were often rated as performing better than most genres in terms of the portrayal of the disabled, when they have a history of a disability or long-term illness, this tends to be the focus of the plot for a short period of time.
Only if a character is in a car accident or an accident and their part of the story should they be incapacitated. Some reacted positively to Professor Green: Suicide and Me (BBC Three), and considered the program to be a well-researched, balanced and objective exploration of different perspectives on suicide. However, there was a belief that more men than women are represented on these shows and that this needs to be addressed.
Some claimed that to achieve this, more disabled staff should be involved in content production and there should be more casting (disabled actors playing roles of disabled characters). Audience assessment of the BBC's representation and portrayal Many participants in the sample felt that the BBC is in a strong position to set standards among broadcasters in relation to the representation and portrayal of disabled people. Furthermore, the BBC was said to be well known for showing good quality dramas, documentaries and series – genres that stood out as good platforms for better representation and portrayal.
WOMEN 55+
Many participants across the research modules agreed that it is important to represent older women on television, and to include authentic portrayals of them, but that it is lacking. However, many of the older women we spoke to had not previously perceived this imbalance in the programs they enjoy watching. Many across the research felt that older women face a double layer of prejudice – sexism and ageism – and that this is often reflected on television in general.
Indeed, they felt that the clearest evidence of this is the glaring absence of older women on TV across all genres. Despite some notable exceptions, older women were generally thought to play supporting roles, rather than the leading role. Some older participants argued that older women on TV face additional pressure to be extremely qualified to participate, unlike younger women and older men.
Some have been concerned about what they say is a trend of people on TV - including older women - going to great lengths to achieve an idealized and more youthful appearance. Some older women felt that Loose Women (ITV) was a positive move towards including more "normal looking" older women on TV. Reflecting on the BBC, survey participants expressed the need for greater representation of older women on television in leading and supporting roles, across genres and.
Additionally, the notable absence of older women on evenings across genres and providers was a cause for concern for many in the study. Some older women praised BBC Three for being the most experimental channel in terms of representation and portrayal within the BBC portfolio. On the other hand, ITV felt in many ways closer to home for older women in the North.
NATIONS, REGIONS AND COMMUNITIES
Many participants across nations and regions felt that their nation (outside England) and regional identity (outside South East England) were under-represented in national television broadcasts. Overall, the research found that the BBC was viewed relatively positively in terms of its representation and portrayal of nations and regions. When it comes to programs based in Wales, the BBC is miles ahead of other broadcasters” (male 18-34 ABC1 Swansea).
This idea of the BBC focusing too much on a few 'hubs' was also evident in the more rural parts of the countries. Similarly, the research found that the BBC is seen by some as not being inclusive enough for regions outside London/South East England. Outside England, our research found that there was some concern that the BBC has a deep-seated bias against other countries.
But in general accents is something the BBC probably doesn't do very well' (female 45-54 C2D Birmingham). This reflects the general view among participants that the BBC should be inclusive of all parts of the UK, in line with its responsibility to represent the nations, regions and communities of the UK. How the people you connect with tend to be portrayed on TV, how do they come across.
In doing so, the BBC should accurately and authentically represent and portray the lives of the people of the United Kingdom.” Explain: It's about your relationship to the people you see on TV and how the TV reflects you. Let's focus now on the BBC and think about how well you think it is doing in terms of portrayal - see FLIPCHART B of the cue displays (rating box).
How about the BBC, for whom/what audiences - examine genres, channel o Examine nation/region (very important for reporting!). All Sessions: FLIPCHART (STOP, START, CONTINUE) – let's draw some lessons for the BBC in terms of the people it shows on TV and how they are portrayed.
