This week, the Paul Canoville Foundation had the privilege of attending the D Word 5 Conference at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge. Organised by the Black Collective of Media in Sport (BCOMS), this invite only event is the UK’s only conference dedicated to diversity in sports media, marking its tenth anniversary with over 200 attendees, including senior executives, journalists, EDI experts and academics.
A Day of Insightful Dialogue
The conference opened with remarks from Jordan Jarrett-Bryan, Chelsea Foundation CEO Laura Cordingley, and BCOMS Chair Drew Christie, setting the stage for a day focused on advancing diversity in sports media. A keynote by BCOMS founder Leon Mann, alongside Emile Nuh, shared compelling research on diversity trends, followed by an academic presentation from Dr Daragh Minogue that examined identity within sports media.
A Senior Leaders Panel Discussion offered insights on diversity statistics, providing a platform for industry leaders to address challenges and opportunities in creating a more inclusive media landscape. Attendees then joined breakout sessions on themes like the future of the industry, women in sports media and platforms of opportunity, each fostering meaningful discussions on driving positive change.
Key Takeaways
The day concluded with a fireside chat led by Leon Mann, and a session summarising key points and actionable steps presented by BCOMS journalists. A powerful closing message from BCOMS Director of Operations, Andrew Ducille, reminded everyone of the ongoing journey towards equality in sports media.
Looking Forward
The D Word 5 Conference underscored the importance of continued commitment to diversity. For the Paul Canoville Foundation, the event served as both an inspiration and a call to action, reinforcing our mission to advocate for inclusivity in sports. We left with renewed focus and a dedication to building a more inclusive sports media landscape.