The media power-brokers: who didn't quite make the list
7th February, 2005
As the only Asian on the board of the BBC governors, Ranjit Sondhi is hard to ignore. He is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Birmingham, Westhill, where he previously coordinated a new degree in Race and Ethnic Studies. At the Beeb he chairs the English National Forum, the advisory body representing licence-payers throughout the English Regions. An academic and a veteran in the media industry he, along with his wife Anita Bhalla (head of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, BBC English Regions), has long supported more diversity in the industry.
However the actual influence BBC Governors have in shaping day-to-day policy of the corporation is not very clear. In addition, the panel felt that in the aftermath of the Hutton enquiry, the future of the board is uncertain and is unlikely to play as big a role as before. In addition, Mr. Sondhi only spends a partial amount of his time on BBC affairs.
Another big hitter in the industry, Paresh Solanki was the previous head of the BBC Asian Programmes Unit and is a respected broadcaster within the corporation. He gave breaks to many within the industry now, including Tommy Nagra (BBC) and Aaqil Ahmed (C4). He was awarded a fellowship from the Royal Television Society for his work and contribution to the media industry last year.
Most recently he was in charge of the BBC studios move from Pebble Mill in Birmingham to their new offices at The Mailbox. It is unclear where his next move might be to, making it difficult for us to include him this year. He may make a return in future years.
One of the few British women directors respected on the international stage, Gurinder Chadha is without a doubt one of the most powerful Asians in the film industry. However she was excluded from the list because it was felt by the panel that film and entertainment wasn't usually included in the definition of media (though AiM does include it, the Media Guardian doesn't).
Rahul looks after the BBC's 'always-on' information services available on digital television platforms. Starting his new post in June 2004, he was previously Director of Marketing & Interactive Television at NDS Ltd. Reporting directly to Ashley Highfield, the BBC Director of New Media & Technology, he is responsible for strategic direction, planning and budgeting, commissioning of content and the overall branding of BBCi's interactive TV services.
Rahul is likely ascend the ranks of the most powerful list in future years as the medium becomes increasingly popular and central to the corporation's digital services. His remit did not include the BBC's recent success with interactive TV coverage of the Olympics.
Saurabh was appointed to his new post in May 2004. As the division operates sometimes as an independent production company, he is developing a range of comedy material for different broadcasters. He currently has six projects in development aimed at ITV; two for Channel 5 and four that could either be for BBC3 or Channel 4.
Actor, comedian and writer, Sanjeev Bhaskar is undoubtedly one of the most talented Asians on British screens. He has had great success with The Kumars at No. 42, but seems to have concentrated all his energies on that for the past few years. He is reportedly involved in developing a new animated comedy for Channel 4 with Anil Gupta.
An up-and-coming reporter who has won a strong of awards for his work, Rav Singh is one to watch. Prior to being at the NotW, he was the deputy editor of the Sun's Bizarre column. As a reporter he has little editorial control over showbusiness coverage, but this might change in the future. He is known for breaking showbiz scoops for the Sunday tabloid.
A prominent journalist for the Daily Telegraph, Sukhdev also wrote London Calling, an acclaimed book on how black and Asian writers saw themselves living in London. He frequently writes on a variety of literary and cultural issues in the media.
An influential producer, Ash was in the team behind the success of the comedy The Office. He was previously also a producer on Goodness Gracious Me. Likely to feature on the list in the future as he continues his promising career.
Bobby Syed runs the only media awards aimed at celebrating multi-culturalism ever year - the EMMAs. Though not a well known personality in front of the screen, he continues to get the awards screened on TV and attract big name sponsors. Is planning to take the awards to America this year.
