Race and Diversity in Digital Media and Promotional Industries

Dr Nessa Keddo’s research explores the intersection of diversity practices and technological deployment in the media industries. More recently, with the onset of automated praxis through generative AI, her work explores the affordances and challenges of digitised and platform labour, particularly for marginalised practitioners and independent creators. Nessa’s research is grounded in critical approaches to the embedding of diversity practices in the media industries. In this talk, Nessa will talk through key challenges and methodological choices of conducting research in these areas today.

The session will be of particular benefit to those interested in race and digital media, diversity in the media, and research into social issues and equity on algorithmic platforms.

Outcomes

Attendees will:

• Gain an understanding of the extant area of race and digital media research as it relates to key issues within the UK-specific promotional cultures and industries;
• Develop an understanding of some of the methodological issues of researching digital media platforms;
• Be exposed to the emerging area of race, media and artifical intelligence through Nessa’s work with collaborators in the Black Communication and Technology (BCaT) Labs.

Contributors

• Dr Nessa Keddo is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Media, Diversity and Technology at King’s College London. She is Programme Director for MA Global Media Industries and the Department’s EDI Lead. She was previously Senior Lecturer in Communications and Media at the London College of Communication, where she was Co-Chair of the EDI Steering Group and Knowledge Exchange Coordinator. Throughout her career, Nessa has pioneered EDI strategies and technological change management within HE and industry as a Research Director and Consultant. This includes advising Senior Management Teams, contributing to industry reports and thought leadership.
• Dr Maitrayee Basu is a Lecturer in Race and Media at the University of Leeds, and Deputy Director of the DCA (Digital Technologies, Communication and Artificial Intelligence) Pathway for the WRDTP.