Opinion from Black Abers please (or white)

[Joe_the_Lion]

I was forced this morning to sit through a few hours of kids TV, I noticed that 50 percent of presenters were black.

Whilst looking at a group of people larking about on a Royal Bank of Scotland flyer, 4 of the eleven are black.

Now watching Liverpool vrs Arsenal on TV, 8 of the 22 are black.

At half time I watched BBC news 24 where of the four stories reported 2 of the four reporters were black.

I do not follow the hit parade, but I guess 40-50 percent of artists are black.

Whilst I embrace our ethnic cousins, I am just wondering do black people feel they are over-represented. I understand the population is about 5 percent non-white.

Are they annoyed at this seemingly token induction of black people in the media?

If not annoyed, then what is all the fuss about inequality, when it seems to me, blacks have better life chances.

[Beria]

Joe the Lion,

If you were ever (god forbid) in hospital and your team of doctors was 60% black 20% Chinese and only 20% White and English, would you have a problem with that?

[Joe_the_Lion]

Beria, I do not have a "problem" with this. What I have a problem with is racism of the media.

[nantyboy]

Perhaps we should comission an enquiry to see why white people are underepresented?

[bigmalc]

Are you mental?! White people.... under-represented?!

What planet are you living on? I just don't get what the issue is here. The colour of your skin says nothing about the content of your character or ability. Anyone who thinks it does is clearly an idiot.

[THECORBYLOON]

You have based yir "racism of the media" on a few hours' chlidren's tv, four reports on News 24 and an RBS flyer-hardly a valid sample!

[Booldawg]

But I notice that the adverts warning people against benefit fraud - all white actors/actresses.

[sp1814]

I'm in a pretty good position to tell you how it works. I'm friends with a number of people in television and newspapers. Also, my partner works high up in commericial television.

You will never see a black face presenting a programme unless they can pull in an audience/demographic.

If it's proven that they can't, then they will be replaced. Simple as that. The television industry is driven by profit, which in turn is driven by audience figures.

When was the last time you saw Andy Peters, Lenny Henry or Ainsley Harriott on telly?

Precisely - they don't pull in an audience, so you don't see them fronting shows.

Please don't fall into the trap of 'over-representation'. It makes you sound like you have a chip on your shoulder.

[curlyperm]

Ready steady cook? that was the last time i saw Ainsley on TV? today at 4.30 and as i am aware he is presenting it? xx

[sp1814]

Ah...repeats don't count!

[curlyperm]

ooops didnt know they were lol