New groups to promote Asian and mainstream media links
Added: (Mon Apr 28 2003)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Launch of “Asians in Media” : http://www.AsiansinMedia.org
Asians in Media (AiM) is an organisation of industry professionals who share the common interests of promoting and fostering the efforts of Asians in the media industry. It is the first website where writers and users can discuss Asian media; read about and receive news of the Asian media industry; and develop an online community where industry professionals can communicate and network with each other.
Commission for Racial Equality chair, Trevor Phillips, said: "I welcome this new initiative to increase the representation of Asians in the media but I also regret that it is necessary at all. … There may be more minority stars on screen and mike; and there may be a smattering of Asian columnists in Fleet Street, but there is a long way to go before the UK media truly mirrors the diverse make-up of society. I very much hope that Asians in Media can help turn the tide."
What does Aim do?
The media is a powerful tool and has the ability to influence our lifestyles and shape our culture. AiM wants to help increase the representation of Asians in the mainstream media so we can present a more variety of voices and ideas rather than being represented by a small group.
We feel an organisation like AiM is needed not only to increase the profile of South Asian in media collectively, but also offer opportunities for those in media to network and learn from each other. AiM also wants to establish a platform for the mainstream media and groups to contact South Asians and attract new talent.
It has many mainstream counterparts such as MediaGuardian.co.uk and BrandRepublic.com , and Asian counterparts such as TIE (tie-uk.org) but none for Asians in the media industry.
Who is behind AiM?
AiM is spear-headed by Sunny Hundal, editor for online magazine barfiCulture.com; along with Komal Trivedi, formerly at The Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival.
AiM is supported by a committee of prominent media professionals including Yasmin Alibhai-Brown and Alpesh Patel, columnists at the Independent and Financial Times respectively; and Manisha Tank from the BBC.
The committee bring expertise from a variety of backgrounds such as The Independent, the BBC, Financial Times, Tie-UK, Reuters, Bloomberg, Sky News, Eastern Eye, Asian Voice, Tandoori Magazine, Zee TV and Black Amber books. Please refer to the website for more information on the AiM committee.
Who do you need to contact?
AiM welcomes features or articles on the launch of the organisation. For more information, features, press releases or logos etc on AiM please contact:
Sunny Hundal
Email : Sunny.Hundal@asiansinmedia.org
Mobile : 07956 46 6970
Or email Komal Trivedi on Komal.Trivedi@asiansinmedia.org.
Please send any press releases or news information to news@asiansinmedia.org. Be sure to sign up to our free email newsletter.