Oona King takes over as Chair of BCIDN

19th October 2009

Channel 4's Head of Diversity, Oona King, is to take over as Chair of the Broadcasting and Creative Industries Disability Network.  She replaces David Kogan, CEO of Reel Enterprises, who has been Chair since 2004.

A former MP, Oona King was previously Senior Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister on Equalities, Diversity and Faith.   "As an MP I campaigned on several disability-related areas such as speech therapy, autism, and disability access. After spending some time in a wheelchair to highlight the problems facing wheelchair users, I was confirmed in my view that disabled people face some of the worst discrimination in Britain today. 

"This extends to almost every area of life from education to employment to social exclusion.  I know the BCIDN will continue to campaign against the discrimination that bars so many talented disabled people from a career in the creative industries, and I'm delighted to be taking up the role as Chair."

David Kogan said, "Serving as Chair of BCIDN has been a great pleasure. The issues surrounding portrayal, employment and access of disabled people to the media industry are complex and important. BCIDN plays a key role in forcing them onto the agenda of our industry and getting results. I am delighted to be handing over to Oona, who I'm sure will continue to drive the agenda with great effectiveness".