Paul Evans

Diversity matters, and Pixel Pioneers needs your help, so that we can invite more people from underrepresented or marginalised groups in tech to attend the conference at no cost. (It's back in Bristol on 14 June: https://lnkd.in/eV-cM9cV) By contributing to our diversity fund, you help drive inclusion, lower barriers to entry, and ensure everyone on- and offstage doesn't look the same. Our industry still has a diversity problem and change is slow. But diversity scholarships make a real difference to people (as shown by the posts written by Motunrayo (Toyin) Okpaleke: https://lnkd.in/eD94ETNH and Holly Paddon, for example: https://lnkd.in/eyVK25Vz). Money that comes in via sponsorship goes towards the diversity fund but attracting sponsors to grassroots events like Pixel Pioneers is proving more and more difficult – especially as I run it on my own as a labour of love without a dedicated sales or marketing person. For the upcoming Bristol conference on 14 June, a bunch of individual attendees have very generously made use of the 'diversity supporter' option on the ticketing page and made a suggested donation of £35. But quite frankly, we could do with more support. We also use this fund to broaden the range of our speakers: This year I invited Tejas Kumar who's based in Berlin but has an Indian passport. So he needed to get a visa, which at €500 turned out significantly more expensive than we both thought it would be. That these obstacles are put in the way of people who want to learn and share knowledge together to improve how websites and apps are built is hugely frustrating. Techniques and workflows usually change for the better not because of a shiny new tool but when we invite people from different backgrounds and with fresh perspectives to join our teams. So, if you can help us host an event that reflects the diversity of the world we live in, that would be amazing. Making the tech industry more diverse is an enormous challenge, and a lot more is being done to address it than a few years ago, but we still have a very long way to go. Thanks for reading, and a special shoutout goes to everyone who has already contributed to our diversity fund. You're all stars! 🙏🏾✨ For details on our diversity scholarships, please see https://lnkd.in/eerdPGCt. This is a topic close to my heart, and if you'd like to learn more, also read my interviews with Rabeb Othmani (https://lnkd.in/ejgimXMH) and Amina Adewusi (https://lnkd.in/eegVy3Fy) to name just a couple.

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Contrary to popular opinion and definitely not what the current government wants you to think, our sector is anything but Mickey Mouse and is making a crucial contribution to the UK's economy. Key findings from this report include: - There is a growing appetite for postgraduate taught courses in Media, Screen, Journalism and Communication Studies. Trends at undergraduate level have been more mixed in recent years. - Geographic and institutional trends in student recruitment differ between undergraduate and postgraduate courses, indicating unequal growth across the field. - With a high proportion of international students, Media, Screen, Journalism and Communication Studies courses would be particularly at risk if international student numbers fell. - Media, Screen, Journalism and Communication Studies equips graduates with the critical and creative skills needed for the UK economy. - The social, cultural and economic impact of Media, Screen, Journalism and Communication Studies research is far reaching and relevant to global challenges. https://lnkd.in/eGe7vcYt

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News Media Association's Manifesto Calls for Government Action to Safeguard News Media Sustainability and Freedom - The News Media Association (NMA) has published a manifesto urging the UK government to address key policy areas to protect and promote news media sustainability and freedom. The manifesto highlights concerns regarding Artificial Intelligence, the BBC's impact on the digital news market, press freedom, media plurality, and the importance of local media to devolution and local growth. The News Media Association (NMA) has published a manifesto on Wednesday, outlining five key policy areas requiring attention from the next UK government to protect and promote the sustainability and freedom of news media. The document, supported by local, regional, and national editors, focuses on Artificial Intelligence and intellectual property, press freedom, commercial news publishers' relationship with the BBC, media plurality, and the importance of local media to devolution and local growth. With regards to AI, the NMA urges the government to ensure publishers have control over their content's use by large language models and are fairly compensated. Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of the Guardian, stressed the necessity of...

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If you have experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment or discrimination against LGBTQ+ staff in the Civil Service, you can record it within the a:gender reporting tool: https://lnkd.in/ef4YUtVs It can also record historical episodes. If this kind of reporting is left to individual government departments then it can be exceedingly difficult to understand the national picture. Likewise many of those who have tried to report discrimination to their home departments have become inured to the process, because they rarely see it handled appropriately. Reporting to a:gender ensures your report goes to people who care, even if they can't impact your own case directly. Always do both if you can!

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Read more from Miri on the Northern Tech Awards in the next issue 🤖 

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The report launched this morning! Read the key findings on workforce and audiences in arts, culture and heritage: https://lnkd.in/ejcu-yJB

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The question of how we reshape democracy, walking the fine line between stagnation and populist rage – is the defining problem of our time – with a coherent strategy, we can shape anything. In its absence, we’re going to end up spinning in pointless circles, arguing about trivia while the world burns. Indra Adnan is the author of The Politics of Waking up: Power and Possibility in the Fractal Age and Pat Kane is a musician, writer, curator, consultant, activist and futurist and his substack is absolutely essential reading for anyone who wants to keep up to date with the ideas in our eco-system. The reason we’re here, they’re, Co-Initiators of The Alternative, which is a socio-political platform hosting #PlanetA: new ground to stand on for a flourishing future – and a daily blog and a forum, or perhaps a melting pot – for new ideas and new ways being. Acknowledging that the systems we are embedded in – media, economic, political – take our power away. The Alternative and Planet A ask us how we achieve the world we know deep down is possible. You have to experience The Alternative really to understand what it is to explore ideas at the leading edge of our emergent inter-becoming, to think through the lens of cosmo-localism, to hold new truths of who and how we are and to frame radical new political options in this age of cardboard cut-out politicians spouting ever more stale lines that were out of date in the 80s and are certainly not fit for purpose in the third decade of the twenty first century.  So this conversation takes us deep into this territory. Recorded on the day after the EU elections, as France heads to the polls and the UK’s general election descends ever further into infantile name-calling and political posturing that no longer even pretends to be the adults in the room, it was – and is – really refreshing to explore ideas of what’s possible with people whose entire lives revolve around the concepts of emergent change. https://lnkd.in/gk5p2gWN #ClimateAction #LiquidDemocracy #ScottishIndependence #IndyRef #DistributedDemocracy #DigitalDemocracy

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Interesting piece on where the industry is now in the UK. The question we all have is where is it going? The years of plenty got everyone thinking (or hoping) it would / could continue indefinitely. The article is right to focus on the people though. Building Studio space is a clear commercial calculation, which is difficult to make because infrastructure takes ages and stable demand is short term. Hence all the “new Studios” that are really just a press release looking for finance. The people challenge however, that’s is where it’s at. Working in Film & TV demands and develops all sorts of incredible skills in people, not just technical, but soft as well. It requires leaders, collaborators, thinkers, problem solvers, dynamism, organisation, adaptability and effective management. But is the freelance nature of our business it’s great strength in the good times and it’s greatest weakness in the tough times? Is it a dichotomy that can never be reconciled cleanly?

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If you're considering #podcasting, listen to a couple of episodes of 'Sideways', hosted by @MatthewSyed and produced by Julien Manuguerra-Patten. Then, listen to them again, this time with a forensic ear. Note the following: 1.     As Matthew sets out in the introduction, the series has a clear vision. This is important for focusing story generation and differentiating positioning. Too many podcasts are generated with the idea, "Let's just see where this goes." That's not creative; it's unfocused. 2.     Every episode is between 28 and 29 minutes long. Granted, that's because they are broadcast on BBC's flagship Radio 4. However, the upside is that Matthew, Julien and their team must be disciplined in approaching every episode. Discipline is good; ill discipline encourages tune-out. 3.     The team do their homework, which shows respect for the listener. The opposite is what I call ‘emergent theory podcasting’ — “If we talk enough, something interesting will emerge.” That’s disrespectful to the listener. 4.     Each episode lasts less than 30 minutes, but its impact extends beyond that time. It encourages personal reflection, which can have a lifelong influence. And yet, it’s not schmaltzy.  5.     Note the style and pace of Matthew's delivery. He tells a story. The podcast would be scripted, but he never sounds like he's reading. The nature of the podcast encourages personal reflection, so his pace needs to be sufficient for you to mull over what he's saying. That's tricky. If delivery is too measured, it can sound belaboured. But it also needs to be energised enough to hold a listener's attention yet not be so fast that it risks losing them. Remember: If you're reading a story and miss a point, you can always reread it. If you're listening to a story and miss a point, it can be a mission to rewind it to the correct place. The pace of delivery is a delicate balance; Matthew has it spot-on. 6.     In every episode, the team explores a different idea through the story of someone invariably unknown to the listener and yet always manages to steer the story back to the listener so they can explore the idea themselves. That's smart. It makes every episode personal. 7.     The audio imaging is balanced and clever, like the economical and carefully placed strokes of a master painter. As someone lucky enough to have worked with specialists in audio imaging, I know that you can say a lot with very little. It is tempting to pack a podcast with audio imaging, but Matthew's audio production team knows that's not necessary. I believe 'Sideways' is the perfect podcast. Matthew, Julien and their team should be congratulated and encouraged to keep going. And if you're considering taking a dip into #podcasting, use their efforts as your measure. 'Sideways' should be available wherever you find your podcasts. https://lnkd.in/ea5mx3CV

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Setting the context to one side, this UK-based aspiration contains an admirable top 'key ask' that could apply worldwide about access to theatre at any level. This talks about politicians funding access. Private enterprise and charities can and do get involved in this sort of thing: "Invest in children’s access: Every child has the right to access our world-class theatre sector. It supports wellbeing, educational attainment and talent pipelines. However, access to the theatre is declining, despite the fantastic work producers and venues do across the country to improve and develop children’s engagement. This is why we are calling on politicians to support our campaign to fund at least one trip to the theatre for every child before they leave school. #TheatreforEveryChild.

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Have you been asked to risk assess a production for human rights-related issues? SAVE THE DATE 📆 24th April 1400pm Whether you work for a broadcaster or in production (in any area) then you should be attending our next introductory webinar to get an understanding of the basics. In just 45 minutes, we will look at: 📺Why we need to talk about human rights in TV production? 📺What we mean by "human rights" 📺 The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) 📺Using a human rights lens on TV production to assess who might be at risk. Using examples and cases we will discuss levers for change and provide you with tools, guidance and resources to take into your work. The session will be led by Amelia Knott, human rights consultant and secretariat to the TV Industry Human Rights Forum. Spaces are limited so reserve your spot now! https://lnkd.in/djrvFzpY #HumanRights #TVProduction #HumanRightsInTV #HumanRightsRisks

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With the UK General Election taking place this week, we've put all our analysis and in-depth coverage of what we can expect - and what the industry wants to see - from a new government in one place. Just head to our homepage, and take a read of our range of articles, including a 'charter' of the key things that any new approach to #PPP will require, what the first priorities should be on #infrastructure, and a podcast where we discuss the parties' manifestos. Here's our top story on the issue: https://lnkd.in/ehGpVjK6

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Just getting on board with linkedin so slow sharing from me but please do explore this report of some of our recent work Pervasive Media Studio - Alternative Technologies: A Just Transition. Written by my brilliant colleagues Furaha Asani, PhD and Zoe Rasbash featuring gorgeous design by Kofo Ajala. I learned so much from everyone who participated. With special thanks to Dr Erinma Ochu who trusted us and whose work is changing how I think. Check out the findings in this report - large size text available here https://lnkd.in/e76Uvkw7 Summary Over some months, a collective gathered Pervasive Media Studio to understand and enable life-affirming futures at the intersection of creative tech and climate action. With support from Watershed, Digital Cultures Research Centre and Engaging Environments We mapped our findings onto a matrix of nine themes we believe are relevant to responsible R&D in this sector: roots, designing comfort, co-production, communication, intentionality & emergence, wellbeing, esteem & inspiration, legacy, and structure. We've also created a toolkit from our learnings on (1) How to go beyond 'terms of engagement' and actually co-create a contract of care in this type of work, (2) Co-creating nourishing workshop spaces, and (3) Using self-nomination as a process to curate a group. Alternative Technologies: A Just Transition | Pervasive Media Studiowatershed.co.uk

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Some useful tips in producing #Content for #MultiLingual #services in this post from Essex County Council's James Green. https://lnkd.in/ecWffHeG 🔹 Keep sentences as short as possible. 🔹 Avoid acronyms. 🔹 Avoid metaphors. 🔹 Avoid phrases that may be translated literally. 🔹 Establish how you can protect terms like project or people names. 🔹 Avoid negatives. 🔹 Be careful with phrasal verbs.

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How would you improve working practices in television production? Our panelists from our recent webinar on this issue recommended: - joining BECTU - ensuring Commissioners properly resource projects - Most importantly that TV people stand up for their rights. Do you agree? If you want to catch up on the debate click the link below. Let us know what you think in the comments below. #RiskAssessment #WorkingPractices

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📢 Exciting Webinar Alert! 📢 Don't miss out on catching up with the amazing UK Election package by everviz for the upcoming UK elections. This plug-and-play solution makes it effortless to provide stunning graphical coverage. Interested in learning more? Drop me a line and let's discuss how this can enhance your election coverage. #UKElections #DataVisualization #ElectionCoverage #Everviz #Webinar #MediaSolutions #Broadcasting #Newsroom #InteractiveGraphics

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Did you know that with each change in monarch, the crown icon on all the GOV.UK websites changes too? A big change right? Well no actually. The recent change took place through a single update to the Gov UK design system, a single repository of digital design assets that links to all government websites. So the change only needed to be made once which then rolled out across all government platforms. The Gov UK design system allows hundreds of departments and digital content owners to build consistent, authoritative and accessible websites. To learn more about the Gov UK’s design system, check out our latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/euvw7FQT Or if you’d like to see the Gov UK design system in practice? Then click through to our case study with the transit data experts at ITO WORLD, delivering data to stakeholders like Google, Apple, and the Department for Transport: https://lnkd.in/eHyS5qpn

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The results of a consumer survey undertaken by the Night Time Industries Association smashes the current narrative being pushed in some areas of media and politics that the UK public (of all ages) has changed the way they engage with the NTE. Data from over 2300 respondents shows: *52% are not able to afford to go out   *44% say Labour stands out as the political party most supportive of nightlife and culture   *68% of 18-24 year-old respondents participate in social activities several times a week or more *43% attended cultural events at least once a month over the past six months.   *76% felt impacted by the inability to go out during the COVID-19 pandemic   *37% indicated that lower drink prices would encourage them to go out more frequently, with better late-night transport cited by 23%. *Dining out is the most popular activity (55%) with younger respondents favour going to the cinema, playing sports, and attending nightclubs. Full report: https://buff.ly/3VIJ0Ad

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How can we build a better future, in which public-interest news not only survives but thrives? That is the central question in the News Futures 2035 report. An interesting initiative that brough together more than 300 thought leaders from various backgrounds in the UK to discuss the future of trustworthy public-interest news. Over a series of workshops and consultations, they boiled down the various issues down to two critical uncertainties in four possible scenarios. https://lnkd.in/eYGBbp5p

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