The Media Trust celebrated six years of the trainee scheme London 360, which is made up of a diverse young team who produce their own half-hour television show for Community Channel.
The celebration was welcomed by MP Dawn Butler at the House of Commons, where she delivered a speech on the importance of diversity in the media and how London 360 has made an impact.
"Diversity is strength and it is so important that people from diverse communities are given opportunities to succeed in the highly competitive media industry," said Dawn Butler.
"It is imperative that we strive to achieve diversity in broadcast media, both in front of and behind the camera. It is also equally important that there is diversity in film making, producing and in the pipeline for all positions."
She added, "I support the great work of the Media Trust and hope to see many more people of diverse backgrounds succeed and be heard in the media.”
Her welcome was shortly followed by Channel 4 News' Jon Snow, a supporter and ambassador of London 360 since 2011, who was able to address those in attendance via video satellite transmission where he spoke of the programme's vital role training young people in the media industry.
Executive editor of London 360, Jasmine Dotiwala, gave an overview of the programme over the last six years and the impact it has had on those who have been involved.
"Media training and employment has, for many decades, been for those who can afford long-term unpaid internships, and come from good, connected families, but the world has changed.Media training and employment has, for many decades, been for those who can afford long-term unpaid internships, and come from good, connected families, but the world has changed."
Dotiwala spoke of the importance of the media and how diversity within the industry is essential, "With all the unrest in the world, and fake news dominating our screens, it’s more important than ever to have a diverse work force that can engage and influence conversations."
The trainees at London 360 have been involved in numerous projects interviewing celebrities including Idris Elba, Naughty Boy and Dynamo, as well as being involved in the London Undercover Show which has featured Mayor Sadiq Khan.
London360 broadcasters and reporters were able to share their experiences working with the teams and what each of them brought to their platforms, and how it has changed their employability.
The busy event was concluded by Media Trust's CEO Frances Lang, who will be replaced by the newly appointed Su-Mei Thompson this September.
Media Trust's London 360 is created by a team of diverse young Londoners aged 18-25 who are trained by media industry mentors in researching, presenting, filming, editing and compliance to produce their own regular TV and online magazine show that tells local untold stories and showcases London's compelling community-based campaigns and entertainment.
