Five wants the diverse and multicultural nature of society to be reflected in all its programmes. We believe we achieve this most of the time but we know it is important to remain aware of the balance of portrayal across all our output. According to Ofcom’s recent research, people from ethnic groups spend proportionately more time watching Five than the population as a whole, but less time watching each of the other four public service channels.

Trisha Goddard, John Barnes, Asha Tanner and Kemi Majeks are all prominent faces of the channel and we look for them to be complemented by a wide range of other presenters, reporters and interviewees on our programmes such as Five News, The Wright Stuff and our leisure and life style programmes.

Diverse portrayal is integral to all our US acquired drama – in particular shows such as Everybody Hates Chris, andthe up coming K-Ville – a police drama set in post Katrina New Orleans. And Angels of Jarm is an enchanting new animated religious series with children from many different faiths represented.

Five is running a new entrant scheme, commencing in February/ March 2008, and have encouraged applications from diverse backgrounds. In 2008 all employees at Five will attend diversity training to create a greater understanding of all areas concerned with diversity and to ensure equality at Five.