The Channel 4 Diversity In Advertising Award offers an annual £1 million airtime prize for a brand who best responds to a creative brief…
A new equity-focused initiative, The Plug, has officially launched in partnership with Channel 4. The Plug is a networking group open to all ethnically diverse members of the creative, digital media and television industries.
The network will provide mentoring sessions, networking events, and masterclass webinars with high-profile diverse leaders within the industry, platforming diverse thought leadership. Co-founded by Channel 4 Sales staff Sigourney Quartey and Andrew Ukiwa, The Plug’s mission is to embed long-term equity into the fabric of the media industry.
Rak Patel, Chief Commercial Officer, Channel 4:
“The importance of equity is increasingly being taken for granted around the world, which only increases Channel 4’s responsibility to continue championing brilliant underrepresented creatives who need support more than ever. Our message behind The Plug is clear: empowering diverse voices means enriching our own content whilst contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society. We will continue to lead the way in ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.”
Connecting brands, creators, agencies, and businesses through a series of forward-thinking initiatives, activations, and events, The Plug aims to break down systemic barriers and empower diverse voices with targeted support, mentorship, and community. igital-first and community-led, The Plug brings a fresh, conversational approach to industry networking, with authenticity and aspiration at its core.
Its latest video series, Creative Hot Takes, launches on Friday 6 June across The Plug’s social channels. Featuring candid insights from trailblazers such as Arcane Media co-founder Jordan Schwarzenberger, Renaissance Studios founder Tamara Barton-Campbell, and director Ray Solace, the series tackles real industry issues, from hustle culture to the rise of AI in creative spaces.
Shot at The Plug’s high-energy launch event at Channel 4’s Horseferry Road HQ, the series is just the beginning of a dynamic journey. Upcoming initiatives will create a consistent safe space where underrepresented communities can be seen, celebrated, and supported.
Now in its second year, Channel 4’s Black in Business initiative in partnership with Lloyds connects Black entrepreneurs with the transformative power of TV advertising and business mentoring.
