Last night saw the formal launch of the Asian Communications Network (ACN) in London.
The network was created in August 2024 by PR industry professionals Farzana Baduel, Shayoni Lynn and Advita Patel and aims to tackle underrepresentation and disinformation in media and communications. Congratulations to you all, thank you for creating the network.
With a focus on Connection, Collaboration, and Curiosity, ACN aims to equip British Asians in communications with the tools to contribute meaningfully to an inclusive and representative industry.
ACN plans to address the critical underrepresentation of British Asians in journalism, public relations, and marketing—industries that play a pivotal role in shaping the public narrative. This mission is particularly relevant in light of the August 2024 racial violence and riots, which were fuelled by misinformation, disinformation, and divisive rhetoric that disproportionately impacted migrant and minority communities.
The event last night brought together senior communications professionals, diversity advocates, and industry leaders at the iconic Cinnamon Club.
Pictured (L-R): Shayoni Lynn, Advita Patel, Baroness Warsi, and Farzana Baduel during the formal launch of the Asian Communications Network.
A special guest at the launch, Baroness Warsi, delivered an inspiring address underscoring the importance of ACN’s mission:
“The launch of the Asian Communications Network is a pivotal step towards a truly representative media landscape. By empowering British Asians within public relations, media, and marketing—fields where they have been underrepresented—ACN promotes the principles of equality that are vital for social cohesion. Initiatives like ACN are essential to countering polarisation and fostering a more inclusive society.”
According to the Public Relations Census 2021 (Chartered Institute of Public Relations), which surveyed 63,563 PR practitioners across England and Wales, Asian professionals make up only 5% of the industry despite comprising 9.3% of the general population. This disparity is even more striking in London, a major hub for these sectors, where ethnic minorities constitute a significantly higher percentage of the population.
White practitioners make up 87% of the PR industry, compared to 81.7% of the general population, underscoring a persistent imbalance. Similar gaps in representation are found across marketing and media, limiting the diversity of perspectives that inform public discourse. ACN seeks to address this gap and promote a media and comms landscape that better reflects the UK’s multicultural society.
ACN says it has a national focus in the UK. Recent events have been held in Manchester, with plans for further regional engagements to ensure a truly inclusive approach that extends beyond the capital. This national reach is essential to ensuring representation and inclusivity across the UK’s communications landscape.
The Asian Communications Network has established an Advisory Board. Members include:
- Jess Alden – Reputation Lawyer, Slateford
- Angela Balakrishnan – Communications & Public Affairs Director, ICO
- Satvir Bungar MBE – Managing Director, BDO
- Anna Dilku – Senior Creative Content Manager, Aviva
- Shalini Gupta – Head of Internal Communications, UKIMEA, Arup
- Emb Hashmi – Journalist, BBC
- Dr Leeya Hendricks – Managing Director, Hark Consultants
- Mehreen Khan – Economics Editor, The Times
- Janita Lakhanpal – Board Director – Inclusion Lead, Ketchum
- Sanjay Mistry – Group Head of Comms and Engagement (Europe), Odeon
- Nikki Sehgal – General Manager, MEFA
- Arun Sudhaman – Journalist, PR Industry Analyst.
Saqib Bhatti MP, MBE, Shadow Minister of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, expressed his support: “The Asian Communications Network represents a powerful addition to the UK’s creative economy, fostering diversity and innovation in media, marketing, and public relations. These sectors are essential drivers of our cultural and economic landscape, and this network will amplify diverse voices, enrich our industry, and strengthen our position on the global stage. I fully support this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our creative sector.”
Find out more about ACN:
- Visit – asiancommsnetwork.com
- Contact- hello@asiancommsnetwork.com
- Follow – LinkedIN & Instagram.
Post author: Rachel Miller
Photos credit: ACN, taken by Sheena Sabharwal photography.
First published on the All Things IC blog 20 November 2024.
