This report was commissioned by Channel Four to deflect some of the flak it was receiving after the Big Brother racism claims.
It did its job then, and now it has arrived. Does it tell us anything we didn't know already? - No.
Everyone knows that minorities are not properly represented, and that is because television by its very nature is populist. When they create a place such as Dibley, Weatherfield or Walford it is a fantasy, not real life. Every character is a stereotype.
The study, from the reports (I have not read it, and I assume AOG hasn't either) seems anitdotal rather than any real figures. There appears to be an implied accusation that quizzes are rigged so that Black and Asian viewers cannot answer them. I rather doubt that, and no figures or examples have been produced to substantiate it.
It looks like a money-for-old-rope report, the fee from Channel Four going into the coffers and that is that.
BTW �Hideously white� was an observation by Greg Dyke when he arrived at the BBC and found it full of Oxbridge types. Mr Phillips was merely saying British Television still is.
Should we bring back the B&W Minstrel Show?
- No, it always was very, very naff.