Audiences scored industry sectors against four
dimensions: who they represent in content (equitable
representation); how they are represented (authentic
representation); whether the company builds
community (community building); and whether
companies drive broader DE&I impact through
corporate action (societal impact). Participants
across all sectors and geographies ranked societal
impact as the most important of the four dimensions,
underscoring that brand behaviour matters.
Each of these areas has been given a score on a
100-point scale based on responses, both for media
and entertainment overall and by individual sectors.
The results indicate that the media and entertainment
industry has a clear need and an opportunity to
improve across sectors and geographies (the US,
UK and France). No sector yet demonstrates a
leading level of maturity (scoring 75–100). The
average composite score for the industry across all
dimensions is 54.6. Gaming lags behind the rest
of the industry on 49.1, while film and TV leads (on
58.5). Across all sectors and index components,
older audiences (aged 55-plus) saw themselves as
under-represented when compared to audiences
aged 18–34, a pronounced gap that highlights
opportunities to better serve ageing populations.
LGBTQ+ audiences also struggle to see themselves
in content, which presents real potential for increased
brand loyalty as half of LGTBQ+ participants said they
would stop using a product or service they deemed
to be non-inclusive. The Ipsos research reinforces that
persistent gender representation gaps exist within
the gaming and sport sectors. Across all sectors and
identity groups, it will be important to track progress
over time to measure the audience and business
impact of DE&I investments in the industry.
The Audience Representation Index also illustrates
the audience impact of targeted action. Film and
TV has made significant investments in in-content
diversity and, correspondingly, many racial and
ethnic minority respondents reacted positively
regarding equitable representation within the
sector. In gaming, focused efforts on accessibility
correspond to more positive attitudes among
people with disabilities.
Progress is possible within representation, and it is
crucial when it comes to creating content in which
everyone can see themselves. Based on findings
from the 2022 Audience Representation Index
we recommend that members of the media and
entertainment industry:
– Use audience perceptions to identify
shortcomings and set clear representation
priorities within their organization
– Look holistically at efforts across content,
community and corporate social responsibility
– Connect DE&I to clear business key
performance indicators (KPIs) and measure
progress over time
– Work collectively to develop talent and fund
programmes that serve and include diverse
groups
– Look thoughtfully at multiple identity groups and
bring all of them on the journey equitably
This report provides data and insights for industry
leaders to act and drive financial and societal benefits.
Benchmarking Diversity and Inclusion in Media and Entertainment: The Audience Representation Index 5