BBC America and Women’s Media Center (WMC) are working together to improve the media’s depictions of women. A press release has announced that the TV network and the feminist organization have formed “a strategic alliance” that will see them developing initiatives “with the goal of expanding both the diversity and representation of women in media.”
These initiatives include a study examining how onscreen portrayals of women affect real-life young women and girls to be published later this year, and the recently launched “Galaxy of Women” campaign. “Galaxy of Women” highlights the myriad powerful women characters across BBC America series, including the two leads of “Killing Eve,” “Orphan Black’s” Clone Club, and Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor on “Doctor Who.” “The ‘Galaxy of Women’ initiative aspires to change how we see women, how we listen to women, and how we experience them across media and culture to more accurately and authentically reflect the audience,” the press release explains.
“The Women’s Media Center has an awesome mission — to ensure women’s voices are heard. They have been doing extraordinary work in furthering this goal for many years,” said BBC America prez Sarah Barnett. “[We] are beyond privileged to work with them to advance the ways in which women are represented in the stories we see on television, and a crucial part of this is who gets to tell the stories.” She added, “Representation matters: if you can’t see her, you can’t be her. We are so proud to be engaged in an alliance that sets out to expand what can be seen.”
“These are times that call for sweeping and sustainable changes,” declared WMC co-chair Pat Mitchell. “The Women’s Media Center’s work to shine a light on the status of women in Hollywood — and on all media platforms – is more important than ever. It is very heartening to walk this walk with a media leader like Sarah Barnett.” She concluded, “Ultimately, changes must come from those who hold the power, and we know that few, if any, power holders throughout history have given up power without a struggle. Which is why we are so grateful for the BBC America team and their strategic alliance with the Women’s Media Center to help elevate and amplify more women in media.”
“Killing Eve” is up for two Emmys: best lead actress in a drama for Sandra Oh and best drama writing for series creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Oh’s nod marks the first time an Asian woman has ever been nominated in the category. “Orphan Black” star Tatiana Maslany will also compete for the award. She played a dozen or so characters, who happen to be clones, on the wrapped series. This is Maslany’s third nod for “Orphan Black.” She won in 2016.
The new “Doctor Who” will premiere sometime this fall.
