Lorraine Kelly Highlights Lack of Working-Class Representation in Media
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly has stressed the importance of improving representation of working-class voices in the media. On BBC’s Desert Island Discs, she spoke candidly about the barriers she faced early in her career.
Challenges Due to Accent and Background
Kelly, who has been on national television since the mid-1980s, shared how her “working-class Scottish accent” was a barrier. She said she was “crushed” when told the BBC wouldn’t hire her because of the way she spoke. Eventually, she joined TV-am after being hired by an Australian who did not recognize her accent.
“Things have to change. I have been through so many regime changes in my life. For me this is just another one, but it’s seismic.”
Concerns About Opportunities for Working-Class Youth
Kelly expressed concern that many working-class people, regardless of ethnicity or religion, are being left behind in media and other industries.
“I really worry about working-class people not being given the opportunity that I had. We talk about diversity quite rightly, but there’s a whole raft of working-class people of all colours, all creeds, all religions, who are being left behind.”
She pointed out that financial barriers prevent many young people from relocating to London, where opportunities are concentrated.
“And that all comes down to money because these kids cannot afford to come to London, to live in London, because it’s impossible for them to do that. And therefore they can’t get the jobs that they absolutely should be allowed to do.”
Background
Lorraine Kelly grew up in Glasgow before moving to East Kilbride in her early teens, shaping her strong connection to her working-class roots.
Author’s Summary
Lorraine Kelly calls for urgent change in media diversity, highlighting how financial and social barriers limit opportunities for working-class talent.