Sky has ramped up its commitment to EDI with a new initiative aimed at working with wider range of diverse-owned/led production companies.

The broadcast giant is inviting companies to apply for a chance to access a minimum of £15,000 towards enhancing their development slate, with ideas directed at Sky Documentaries.

Sky said it's goal is to 'widen the playing field', ensuring it hears from a diverse range of voices as they aim to secure a wide selection of boxsets and premium feature documentaries.

"It's through that diversity that Sky aims to bring its audiences a variety of entertaining, immersive, and culturally relevant factual programmes," it said.

The strongest of the ideas pitched to Sky will go on to be a fully-funded project.

Criteria for participation includes being diverse-owned or diverse-led, with founders, owners or senior management creatives who are members of ethnic minorities, deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent.

Sky is inviting companies to apply for a chance to access a minimum of £15,000 towards enhancing their development slate, with ideas directed at Sky Documentaries. The strongest of ideas going on to a fully funded development.

Sky director of documentaries and factual, Poppy Dixon said: "Sky is committed to fostering inclusivity in the industry. This opportunity is about more than financial support, it is a commitment to mentorship and ongoing dialogue, with the goal of ensuring underrepresented voices stand out on Sky Documentaries.”

In its Diversity and Inclusion manifesto, Sky's managing director of content, Zai Bennett, said the company recognises that certain groups are underrepresented.

"Ensuring Sky represents a diverse, modern Britain is at the heart of what we do and something that we will continue to champion.

"We recognise that certain groups are underrepresented, and as a company, are committed to providing opportunities for those of all ages, gender, race, disability, or sexuality, both on screen and behind the scenes."

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