BBC Cricket Set Example for Diversity at Cricket Society Awards

BBC cricket coverage was awarded at the 2022 Cricket Society Awards with increase in diversity across radio.

Diversity has long been a key conversation to the future of sport in all departments, the cricket broadcasting teams at the BBC have been setting the way for the future.

At the 2022 Cricket Society Awards, BBC local radio was awarded the Ian Jackson award described as a ‘spirit of cricket’ award given to an individual or group who set example of commitment to cricket.

Kevan James of BBC Radio Solent was a key figurehead in the acceptance of the award as he had played part largely in the increase in diversity in commentary boxes across the counties in the 2022 County Championship season.

The large increase in female players past and present on commentary was set as a pathway by James at BBC Radio Solent with Charlotte Taylor and Emily Windsor taking up a key role at the local station. The Southern Vipers duo have followed in the footsteps of that of Alex Hartley who despite still playing, has become a key voice on BBC radio stations in recent years.

In 2022, over a quarter of local BBC radio cricket coverage was made up by female contributors.

Roland Butcher also joined the team of BBC commentators for the domestic season in 2022, most frequently on BBC Radio London alongside Mark Church, although he also provided coverage for BBC Sport Online.

The Middlesex legend who made history as the first black player to represent England in 1980 added a Barbadian twang to the BBC coverage of the County Championship this year.

With the award going to the BBC for their diversity in cricket coverage, including their ‘third voice’ scheme, an example looks to be set going forward with the rise of promotion of women’s cricket not only affecting growth on the field but in broadcasting and journalism also.

Butcher’s regular BBC representation in 2022 also sets the way for diversity in not too dissimilar ways to that 42 years ago.