Breaking Barriers: New Network Launched to Champion Ethnic Diversity in Media, Marketing, and PR. - Curzon PR London Strategic Public Relations

Breaking Barriers: New Network Launched to Champion Ethnic Diversity in Media, Marketing, and PR.

Breaking Barriers: New Network Launched to Champion Ethnic Diversity in Media, Marketing, and PR.

Announcing the Launch of the Asian Communications Network (ACN)


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. 

For more information on how to join or support the ACN, please 

Co-Founder Bios

Advita Patel | CEO | CommsRebel

Advita, founder of CommsRebel, helps organisations cultivate inclusive cultures through effective communications so all colleagues can belong and thrive in their work. With more than two decades worth of experience, Advita is committed to helping leaders understand how communication can transform cultures so their colleagues can thrive rather than just survive. Alongside CommsRebel, Advita is the co-founder of A Leader Like Me and CalmEdgedRebels. In 2023 she co-authored a best selling book, Building a Culture of Inclusivity, with Priya Bates and in 2025 she will be the President for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Farzana Baduel | CEO | Curzon PR

Farzana is the CEO and co-founder of Curzon PR. Whilst headquartered in London, the firm has a global reach serving partners across Government, corporate, culture and charities. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. Farzana is the Resident Public Relations expert for the University of Oxford’s Said Business School. She is a trustee and serves on the board of the British Asian Trust, founded by King Charles III to tackle poverty in South Asia. She also serves as a trustee for Soho Theatre. She believes in the power of storytelling for good and as a communication bridge to connect worlds.

Shayoni Lynn | CEO | Lynn

Shayoni Lynn is CEO and Founder at multi-award-winning behavioural science communications consultancy, Lynn Group.  She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and is Chair of PRCA Cymru. Shayoni has received the Mark Mellor Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, as well as PRCA Awards for Outstanding Contribution during COVID-19 and Professional of the Year. She was awarded the Institute of Directors (IoD) Start Up Director of the Year Award in 2023. She is an Independent Board Member for Active Travel Wales.