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Breaking Barriers: New Network Launched

In a timely step towards fostering inclusivity and representation, three leading PR practitioners

have unveiled the Asian Communications Network, a pioneering initiative dedicated to

empowering ethnically diverse professionals within the UK's communications industry.

This network seeks to address the pressing need for greater representation, support, and

inclusion of professionals from Asian backgrounds, aiming to reshape the industry's landscape

and champion diversity at every level.


Research from both the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and 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. 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, it is our professional

obligation to combat these threats to our 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.”


Addressing the Diversity Gap


The ACN will focus on the following three drivers of progress:

• Connection: Establishing a robust, inclusive network that fosters a sense of belonging

and mutual support. A series of events will run throughout the year designed to bring

together the community and facilitate connection.


• Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships and collaborative efforts to amplify our

collective voice and impact alongside allies. ACN strives to elevate Asian professionals

in the communications industries by providing opportunities, visibility, and advocacy for

their contributions.


• Curiosity: Encouraging engagement, learning and curiosity in the Media, Marketing and

PR field among diverse professionals and fostering the next generation. Activities will

include workshops, mentoring, building career advancement resources as well as

speaking in schools and universities to attract more diverse entry level talent.



Membership

There is free membership available for all, with opportunities to invest in an elevated paid tier

for £15 p/m. Since we launched our member sign up in the past week, we have over 200

members in our community and are still in growth mode.


The launch of the Asian Communications Network is especially timely as it coincides with

South Asian Heritage Month and comes in the wake of race riots in the UK, fueled by

disinformation and misinformation. These events underscore the urgent need for greater ethnic

cohesion and accurate representation in media, marketing, and public relations.

By fostering a diverse and inclusive industry, the ACN aims to combat these divisive forces and

promote a more unified and understanding society.


Our first supper club takes place in London on Wednesday the 21st August 2024, those who are

interested to attend can register via our website. Further events are planned for Autumn 2024.

Details will be shared in due course along with our founding sponsors who are supporting our

launch and subsequent initiatives.


Our network is open to British Asians and allies outside of the British Asian ethnic community

who believe in our shared mission to uphold British values of diversity, tolerance and respect.

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