Channel 4 hosted ‘Generation C in the Media Industry’ on October 19 and had a massive turnout of likeminded people that were all interested in the creative industries and the issues facing them today. The creative industries, especially in the UK, are a rapidly growing sector but, in knowing this, some major issues have risen to the surface. It has become quite apparent that a large portion of those in the industry come from a particularly advantaged socio economic background and ‘Generation C in the Media Industry’ brought together people from all sides of the spectrum to address the issues around social mobility and opportunity for diversity in these outlets.
This event not only laid the ground work for social and political debate but also turned out to be the setting of wide range social networking. Karan Rai from Dance Crew said that she came to, “check out what’s going on in the media because it’s obviously a good way to present yourself and market yourself and network as well.”
Tim Campbell from Bright Ideas Trust said that it was a lively debate and that it showed him that there were a lot of people, “particularly younger people who are passionate about the creative industry and that were challenging some of the people that have made it.”
Martin Bright from New Deal of the Mind talked about how the industry has been continuously hiring people from the same backgrounds and that not only is it not sustainable it, “just can’t go on.”
On the bright side however, Sona Arora, thought that it was a great opportunity especially because the CEO spoke and was, “on our side and wants us to get involved.” Some of the advice that was given out at the event was that in this sector, you have to get yourself out there because no one is looking for you and you have to ask yourself what you are going to do to stand out. That’s the reality of the creative industries as told to us by the attendees and speakers at the ‘Generation C in the Media Industry’.
