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Awards to be held at Media City, Salford

The Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) is inviting broadcasters, producers, directors and screenwriters to submit nominations for this year's CDN awards, celebrating creativity and diversity in the broadcasting industry.

This year there are categories covering production and content that portrays the diversity of contemporary British society in an effortless and inclusive way, as well as categories that recognise outreach and employment initiatives with a diversity focus. The categories are:

• Company of the Year (open to indies only)
• Community engagement award
• CDN news award
• Best breakthrough talent (across all genres)
• Best nations and regions portrayal
• Best comedy and entertainment programme
• Best factual programme
• The Radio Times drama award (voted for by readers of the Radio Times from a shortlist compiled by industry professionals)
• Diversity innovation award
• The CDN Fellowship award

Entries must be submitted by 2 October 2011, and shortlists will then be drawn up by judging panels of key industry representatives and members of the CDN steering group. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at The Studios, MediaCityUK, in Salford on Tuesday 6 December.

Mark Thompson, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Director General and Chair of the CDN, said: "These awards are a celebration of the very best TV programmes that reflect contemporary British society, and embrace diversity both on and off-screen.

"We're honoured to be taking the CDN awards to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays this year, recognising and celebrating not only the vibrancy and creativity of this new venture for the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ and all its partners but also for the whole of the UK."

This year's event will also see the first ever CDN Fellowship award for an individual, company or organisation who has demonstrated a significant commitment to diversity but does not have diversity as their core role. This award is voted for by members of the CDN steering group.

To enter, visit the and complete an entry form. There is no fee, and the deadline for submissions is midnight on Sunday 2 October 2011.

Notes to Editors

The Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) is an association of Britain's leading broadcasters and affiliated organisations, originally formed in 2000, to improve the representation of ethnic minorities in television both on screen and behind the camera. In the past two years it has expanded its remit to include all areas of diversity such as disability, gender, age etc. It focuses on working with its member broadcasters on sharing expertise, resources and models of good practice.

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ took over as Chair of the CDN from Channel 4 in January 2011.

The CDN steering group is made up of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ, Channel 4, S4C, ITV, ITN, Sky, Pact, BAFTA, MTV, Turner Broadcasting and Media Trust.

The first CDN Awards took place in 2009.

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