The Nugget

The diabolical reality of being one of the few working-class people in TV reveals significant challenges, including nepotism, low pay, and a lack of recognition, leading talented individuals like Lucy Beaumont to contemplate leaving the industry.

Make it stick

💪 The TV industry lacks diversity with only 8% of workers from working-class backgrounds.
🎬 Behind the scenes of TV, nepotism and a norm of the middle-class London culture prevail, inhibiting opportunities for working-class talent.
📺 Despite more working-class stories on screen, the industry's gatekeepers and decision-makers remain predominantly middle- or upper-class.
💡 Working-class individuals often struggle to sustain a standard of living even after achieving success in the industry.

The TV industry has a lack of diversity with only 8% of workers coming from working-class backgrounds.
Nepotism and a focus on middle-class London norms hinder opportunities for working-class individuals.

Despite achieving success, many working-class individuals still face financial challenges and difficulties sustaining their standard of living.
The industry's gatekeepers, including executives and commissioners, predominantly come from middle- or upper-class backgrounds, further marginalizing working-class talent.

The need for government intervention and collaborative efforts among broadcasters to address class diversity and provide more opportunities for working-class talent.
Efforts to promote class diversity in the industry are seen as hollow, with promises made but not effectively implemented.

Working long hours without extra pay and struggling to secure jobs leads to mental health challenges and high rates of unemployment among TV freelancers.
The lack of support for mental health issues and the demanding nature of the industry contribute to individuals feeling unsupported and undervalued.

Diversifying the voices and stories in TV is crucial, as working-class individuals bring unique perspectives and energy to the industry.
There is a clear need for more diverse storytelling and representation in TV, moving away from the overemphasis on certain narratives.

"My mum became a writer with no qualifications, really struggled and couldn’t carry on in the industry... It makes me want to leave." - Lucy Beaumont
"There’s no incentive for commercial companies to really do anything about [class diversity] beyond [dealing with] a bit of bad rep.” - Neil Griffiths
"It’s an energy that we’re talking about, not just a social status. You grow up with a different understanding of the world than if you’ve never struggled with money. That energy is so powerful." - Lucy Beaumont
"He’s not going to get cast. He can’t afford drama school or to live in London... What has it come to?” - Unnamed woman from Hull
"Middle-class people have that safety blanket: parents to give them money that we simply don’t have." - Sam Oddie

This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.