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.
Asian Communications Network