With the aim to foster inclusivity and representation, three PR practitioners have unveiled the Asian Communications Network (ACN), an initiative to empower ethnically diverse professionals within the UK’s communications industry. This network looks to address the need for greater representation, support and inclusion of professionals from Asian backgrounds, aiming to reshape the industry’s landscape and champion diversity.
Research from both the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) indicates that only 5% of the industry is represented by Asian PR professionals, despite the 2021 census showing that 9.3% of the population of England and Wales is British Asian. Adjacent industries, such as media and marketing, face similar challenges in attracting and retaining ethnically diverse professionals.
Advita Patel, CEO of CommsRebel and President-Elect of CIPR stated, “True diversity and inclusion go beyond token gestures; they require a deep commitment to embedding equitable practices into the very fabric of the communications industry. It’s about creating an environment where every voice is heard and valued, fostering not just representation but genuine belonging.”
Farzana Baduel, CEO of Curzon PR, added, “Representation delivers across our industry’s triple bottom line: our people, the public and profit. PR campaigns and media outlets lacking inclusion have real-world consequences, as seen in vaccine hesitancy during COVID-19. Recent media coverage and rhetoric around immigration and minorities have severely impacted ethnic minority communities, undermining social cohesion and our country’s values of tolerance and respect.”
Shayoni Lynn, CEO, Lynn said: “Misinformation is one of the biggest threats to society, as we have seen in the last two weeks in the UK. As responsible communicators, our professional obligation is to combat these threats to society by fostering understanding, trust, and collaboration between communities. A forum like ACN provided much-needed reassurance to our colleagues during these difficult weeks, and we hope that we are able to provide support in many more ways to shine a spotlight on the talent, energy, and expertise that colleagues from Asian backgrounds bring to our PR and Communications industry.”
The ACN will focus on the following three drivers of progress:
Connection: Establishing an inclusive network that fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. A series of events will run throughout the year to bring together the community and facilitate connection.
Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships and collaborative efforts to amplify the collective voice and impact alongside allies. ACN aims to elevate Asian professionals in the communications industry by providing opportunities, visibility and advocacy for their contributions.
Curiosity: Encouraging engagement, learning and curiosity in the media, marketing, and PR fields among diverse professionals and fostering the next generation. Activities will include workshops, mentoring, building career advancement resources, and speaking in schools and universities to attract more diverse entry-level talent.
The network is open to British Asians and allies outside the British Asian ethnic community who believe in our shared mission to uphold British values of diversity, tolerance and respect. The free membership is available for all, with opportunities to invest in an elevated paid tier for £15 p/m. The first supper club will take place in London on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024. Interested professionals can register via the website. Sign up for a free membership here.
