Sir Lenny Henry Centre appoints new director

The Sir Lenny Henry Centre (LHC) for Media Diversity, an independent research and policy body affiliated with Birmingham City University (BCU), has appointed British journalist and media professional Jaldeep Katwala as its new director.

Jaldeep succeeds Professor Diane Kemp, who co-founded the centre in 2020. 

He joins from The Bristol Cable, where he served as operations lead and a director, and brings a broad career spanning reporting and producing roles with the BBC, Channel 4 News and Radio Netherlands International, alongside international journalism and media development work.

Jaldeep, who will begin his new role in January, said: “It is a profound honour to be entrusted with leading the Sir Lenny Henry Centre. 

“Diane Kemp and her team have laid an extraordinary foundation.

“Now, our task is to build upon it. 

“The Centre’s mission – to turn evidence into action – has never been more critical.

“We will ensure the sector finally reflects the public it serves.”

"My father, a newsagent, once told me that ‘people like us don’t work in places like that’.

“That statement has charted my entire course – from a Gujarati newsweekly in London to the BBC and Channel 4 News, from conflict zones with the UN to media journalism projects across the Global South.

“I’ve spent a career proving my father’s fear wrong. 

“Now, as director, my purpose is to ensure no one is ever told that again. 

“This role is about systemically extending the hand of opportunity.”

Sir Lenny Henry, who co-founded the LHC with Professor Kemp and Marcus Ryder, welcomed Katwala’s appointment.

He added: “Jaldeep is someone who understands both the barriers and the opportunities across the media landscape because he has lived them. 

“His career reflects the very mission of the LHC: opening doors and transforming systems.

“I am thrilled to welcome him as director and enormously grateful to Diane for her leadership and dedication. 

“Together, they’ve set the stage for the Centre’s most impactful work yet."

Founded in 2020, the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity brings together academics and media professionals to research representation and inclusion across UK media. 

Its work focuses on tracking diversity both on-screen and behind the scenes, using robust evidence to inform policy and drive industry-wide change.

Professor Kemp added: “It's been an absolute privilege to be the founding director of the Centre and I'm grateful to BCU for their continued support for our work. 

“This new full-time role will help the LHC move on and up, and I’m looking forward to working with Jaldeep as we do so.”

Professor Hanifa Shah, pro vice-chancellor for research, enterprise, engagement and STEAM at BCU, added: “The Sir Lenny Henry Centre plays an essential role in challenging inequality and shaping a fairer media landscape. 

“Jaldeep’s appointment brings fresh energy, deep experience and a clear commitment to building an accountable sector.

“BCU is immensely proud to be the home of the Centre, and we remain firmly committed to supporting its research, collaborations and industry engagement.”

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