Diversity In Media Awards 2017: Seven Things To Expect At The Inaugural Ceremony

The great and the good from the British media industry will be battling it out for a gong at the inaugural Viacom Diversity in Media Awards on Friday (15 September). 

The star-studded ceremony, held at London’s Hilton Waldorf Hotel, will celebrate the work to promote diversity across the entertainment world, and here’s just a taster of what to expect on the night...

1. BBC newsreader Jane Hill swaps presenting the news for presenting awards 

Jane Hill will be handing out the prizes at the glittering ceremony, and the BBC journalist his “delighted” to be on hosting duties.

She said in a statement: “From newspapers and radio, to online and television, Britain’s media industry is home to a variety of diverse talent. 

2. There will be a star-studded turnout 

A variety of A-listers including Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Lenny Henry, Dame Helen Mirren and Lily Allen are up for awards so we’re expecting an impressive turn out of big name celebs on the red carpet.

Already confirmed to be attending  include ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestant Mollie King, ‘Good Morning Britain’ host Susanna Reid and TV and radio presenter Myleene Klass. 

3. There’s also set to be a battle of the broadcasters

Everyone’s favourite chat show host Graham Norton will be going up against the likes of Mary Portas and Reggie Yates for the Presenter of the Year accolade, but they will face tough competition from Dr Christian Jessen and Ade Adepitan.

4. Rising stars will be recognised too

The ceremony will also celebrate the work of up and coming figures, with trans activist and film maker Jake Graf, actress Victoria Broom and reality TV star Ollie Locke all nominated for the hotly-contested Rising Star Of The Year award. 

5. There will be some emotional speeches  

In a year when the gender pay gap in the media hit the headlines and Donald Trump’s erosion of transgender rights in the USA generated global condemnation, we’re expecting some hard-hitting speeches from winners.

Awards co-founder Linda Riley is a prominent diversity activist and is sure to have her say on the night.

6. Lily Allen is up for a gong for her support in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster 

Singer Lily Allen is a strong contender for the Hero of the Year award following her passionate and outspoken support for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.  

Having continued to call on the government to do more to help them families made homeless by the blaze, a source close to the awards revealed she is set to scoop the gong, adding: “She was clearly moved to action by the devastation in her neighbourhood and has bravely championed the needs of local people ever since.

“It isn’t the first time she’s spoken on issues of social justice so it is no surprise that awards organisers want to show her some recognition.”

7. Munroe Bergdorf will make her first red carpet appearance since L’Oreal sacking

Transgender model Munroe Bergdorf will make her first red carpet appearance since her controversial L’Oreal sacking, which saw her dropped from the company’s diversity campaign when she spoke out against institutional racism.

Find out more about the Diversity In Media Awards here.