BAME Expert Voices: Delegates visit BH for training, mentoring and networking

Contributing to programmes is a deceptive art: the audience expects in-depth knowledge an individual has, and for that to be conveyed in an accessible, easy to understand way. At the same time, we all take it for granted that the expert will be at ease in front of the camera or behind the microphone. That's what we've become accustomed to. 

From a contributor's point of view expert knowledge doesn't equate as confidence in front of the camera. Similarly, what works in a 50 minute lecture doesn't translate effortlessly into a 1 minute piece to camera. Academic knowledge often demands expansive discourse demanding time which isn't necessarily available on-air.

Making the transition to broadcast looks on paper like it should be effortless. It often isn't. But in the latest Expert Talent Days hosted today at New Broadcasting House, black, Asian and minority ethnic experts benefited from a day of training sessions, mentoring and networking designed to help them secure on-air opportunities across the broadcasting industry. The scheme shows how the BBC remains committed to increasing on-air BAME portrayal from 10.4% to 15% in the next three years.

Head of the BBC Newsroom Mary Hockaday, welcomed delegates earlier today, a day offering 'specific, concrete and practical' steps for experts looking to increase their broadcast media appearances. Twenty four delegates selected from 400 applicants met at New Broadcasting House on Thursday 9 October to hear advice from a variety of TV and radio specialists, to practise their skills and to network with output editors.

"It's really about demystifying TV and radio for our delegates," said Mary, "as well as giving us an opportunity to discover any potential stories we've missed in specific subject areas". Donna Taberer, Head of the College of Production, went further, explaining that having identified the experts according to their specialism and given some training in broadcasting delivery, were now placed on a database of contacts which programme makers across the broadcasting industry could access when they were in search of new expert contributors.

BAME Expert Voices, builds on the recent successes of the BBC Academy's Expert Women project which saw 73 experts securing 374 different appearances on from a potential pool 164 specialists.

Candidates who applied for the scheme submitted a self-shot video report, a story idea and their CV from a specialists that production areas of the broadcasting industry had identified were under-represented. "We reviewed every video," explained event producer Lanre Leandre as she welcomed delegates to the event, "considered your story ideas and reviewed your CVs. Give yourslves a pat on the back. I don't think I've ever been in a room with quite so many people with PHDs."

Jon Jacob is Editor, About the BBC Blog and website

• Find out more about the Expert Voices BAME Talent Day on the BBC Academy website
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