Lorraine Kelly on Working-Class Representation in Media
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly has highlighted the urgent need for more working-class voices in the media. Speaking on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs, Kelly shared her personal experience and concerns regarding class barriers.
Early Career Challenges
Kelly, who has been on national television since the mid-1980s, described how she was initially rejected by the BBC due to her “working-class Scottish accent.” She grew up in Glasgow and later moved to East Kilbride as a teenager.
“I was crushed when told I wouldn’t get a job at the BBC because of my working-class Scottish accent.”
She was later hired by TV-am after an Australian producer did not recognize her accent.
Concerns About Inequality
Kelly expressed worry about the lack of opportunities for working-class people today. She emphasized that diversity efforts often overlook those from working-class backgrounds across all races, creeds, and religions.
“I really worry about working-class people not being given the opportunity that I had.”
“There’s a whole raft of working-class people who are being left behind.”
Economic Barriers
She pointed out that financial constraints prevent many working-class youth from moving to London or other media hubs, limiting their chances of obtaining desired jobs.
“It 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.”
“Therefore they can’t get the jobs that they absolutely should be allowed to do.”
Summary
Lorraine Kelly calls attention to ongoing class barriers in media careers, urging more inclusive opportunities beyond diversity rhetoric to support working-class talent.