Whilst this is undoubtedly a brilliant move, a true indication of equality will be when BAME talent are actively encouraged to tell stories that aren't primarily categorised as 'diverse stories'. A thread! 1/ https://twitter.com/BBCNews/status/1275028546117947392

There is too often an expectation from commissioners and broadcasters that a BAME writer, for example, should tell a BAME story (whatever that actually means?!) Whilst their caucasian counterparts get to write about *literally anything else*. 2/

That’s not to undermine existing and genuine pieces of diverse programming, which represent some of the best examples of British television in decades. More that parts of this approach *may* lead to segregating BAME talent even more. Here’s a made up but typical example! 3/

BAME Talent: I've got an idea for a sitcom - it's about an orchestra.

Broadcaster: Is everyone in the orchestra BAME?

BAME: No.

Broadcaster: But what's your angle?

BAME: There'll be live music in it.

Broadcaster: But how will that appeal to a BAME audience?

ETC! /4

Yes, original ideas and scripts are always expected to have an angle. For many this leads to conversations about writing style, tone, shooting style and so on. But for BAME talent, it almost always comes round to how the project is different *because* they are BAME. /5

I think this is the mistake many commissioners make. That the way to solve the diversity 'problem' is to therefore encourage 'diverse stories'. Whereas it's just quite possible that BAME writers might want to write about all those things white writers get to write about too. /6

BYE! /7