The Push For More Diversity
The AFL is pushing for more diversity among its commentators, but is this focus on inclusion distracting from the real goal of broadcasting? Jeremy Cordeaux thinks so, and in his latest episode of The Court of Public Opinion, he explains why.
@3aw_melbourne Tom Elliott has questioned AFL CEO Andrew Dillon on the league’s new “social inclusion clause” to come in from 2025 to make the commentary more diverse. #fyp #3aw #melbourne #afl #footy #footytiktok #commentary #diversity #inclusion #broadcast ♬ original sound – 3AW Melbourne
A Skill-Based Approach
Jeremy argues that media personnel should be selected based on skill and expertise, not race, gender, or sexual orientation. He points out that the AFL’s push for diversity might detract from the quality of the commentary. Which should be the top priority for any broadcasting organisation.
What This Means for the Industry
Cordeaux suggests that the media industry, including sports broadcasting, should resist pressure from external forces to meet diversity quotas. Instead, they should focus on hiring the best people for the job, regardless of their background.
Diversity Focus : A Distraction?
Is the AFL’s focus a distraction from delivering quality commentary? For more on this debate, tune into The Court of Public Opinion.
Topic time in podcast and video: 17:55 – 18:53
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More On AFL’s Diversity
The CEO of Australia’s most prominent sporting code has faced difficulty in clarifying the intent behind a new diversity clause that has been introduced into its latest broadcasting agreement.
The AFL has come under scrutiny for mandating the inclusion of a “social inclusion” provision in its broadcasting contracts, which will be in effect from 2025 to 2031.
Australian sports journalist Tom Morris recently revealed that this provision had been “written” into the broadcast rights deal “for the first time,”. Both Foxtel and the Seven Network agreeing to the terms.
“There is a requirement or commitment from the AFL – signed off as part of this agreement – to ensure diverse voices are heard, and to include representation from minority groups,” Morris explained on Melbourne’s SEN radio. “This means that you can’t just have a panel of white men behind the desk for every single broadcast; there needs to be diversity.”
