Entrants for Britain’s leading television awards will have to meet complex new requirements relating to gender, race, sexuality, religion and age under the latest diversity rules. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts, said that programmes would not be considered for the Bafta TV Awards if they did not meet the “diversity standard” set out by the British Film Institute in 2014. The Bafta Film Awards already ban productions with insufficient diversity from the two specifically British categories. The academy is hoping to avoid a repeat of accusations that it is biased in favour of white performers. Between 1996 and 2009 there was not a single nomination for an ethnic minority actor or comedian. In February 2016 demonstrations were held outside the Bafta Film
the British Film Institute) will require programmes to meet a diversity standard to be eligible for awards. The standard, which was set out by The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA in 2014, includes the need for at least one main character, contributor, presenter or voice artist to be from an under-represented group. However, this requirement is not necessary if there is a 50:50 gender ratio in minor characters, 10% gay or lesbian characters or a plot focused on under-represented groups. In 2016 there were demonstrations outside the BAFTA film awards over the lack of diversity in nominations.