The seven, which also include GMTV, ITN, SMG Television and TV producers body Pact, have come together under the banner of the Cultural Diversity Network to launch the northern branch of CDN along with a new online service for the entire network to improve ethnic minority representation on and off the air.
In addition, nine northern companies, including independent production company, media training companies and television studios organisations are also working to improve the portrayal of ethnic minorities.
Peter Salmon, BBC director of sport and chairman of the CDN for 2004, said: "Partnerships like CDN-North are key to making an impact on the ground -- devolution is in the air, not just in the political world but also for the media. I'd like to see more across the UK."
The new will provide news and information about the network's activities on cultural diversity and an online database of ethnic minority talent will be established.
The broadcasters involved in the CDN will be setting targets for ethnic minority employment, including senior executive levels, and modernising and casting the portrayal of ethnic minorities in mainstream programming.
Other areas of focus include the sharing of non-commercially sensitive research on cultural diversity and sensitising broadcasters to support greater diversity in content and employment.
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