An evening of celebration at the Hackney Empire - The CDN Diversity Awards 2012

Monday 19th November

At November's 2012 Creative Diversity Network Awards, the television industry reaffirmed its commitment to diversity with its annual awards for excellence in diverse content or off screen initiatives.

BBC Acting Director General Tim Davie hosted the awards at the Hackney Empire in East London alongside Amanda Rice Head of BBC Diversity. Davie praised the work of the broadcasters for their behind the scenes initiatives like the Hackney Weekend (Radio1) project and indie company Shine's 'The Hatch' project which aims to give young marginalised people the opportunity to work on media production. Entertainment was provided by Shappi Khorsandi and Stephen K Amos.

"I've been coming to similar events for years but this year it really feels like we're winning on diversity" said Channel 4 presenter Krishnan Guru Murthy presenter of the Factual Award.

CDN Awards Creative Lead and BBC Diversity Manager, Chantal Badjie said: "we wanted this year's awards to feel celebratory, entertaining and yet give a serious message. Based on the feedback from the audience and our partners across the CDN, it looks like we achieved that"

Best Breakthrough Onscreen Talent presented by professor of classics, Mary Beard

• Rosie King (Newsround, BBC)
• Adam Hills (The Last Leg, Channel 4)
• WINNER - Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat, Channel 4)

Best Breakthrough Writer or Director presented by Adil Ray and Charlie Condou

• Sanjeev Kohli (BBC Learning)
• Prasanna Puwanarajah (Coming Up, Channel 4)
• WINNER - Rhashan Stone (City Hall, Sky Arts)

Company of the Year presented by John McVay, CEO of Pact

• Nine Lives
• Fresh One
• WINNER - Acme Films

Best Diversity Initiative presented by Claire Parker and Shelley Bridgeman

• Paralympic Games 2012: Superhuman Presenters
• The Hatch
• WINNER - BBC Vision Intake Pool

Best Nations & Regions Programme presented by Chris Bisson

• My Lives and Times (Aconite Productions for BBC2 Scotland)
• Knockout Scousers (perfectmotion for Channel 4)
• WINNER - Making Bradford British (Love Productions for Channel 4)

Best Comedy & Entertainment Programme presented by Lenny Henry

• Got To Dance (Princess Productions for Sky1 HD)
• 4 o'clock Club (CBBC)
• WINNER - The Last Leg (Sunset+Vine / IMG for Channel 4)

The Radio Times Soap Award - voted for by the public and presented by Aaqil Ahmed and Cerrie Burnell

• Casualty
• EastEnders
• Holby City
• Emmerdale
• Hollyoaks
• WINNER - Coronation Street

Best News Coverage presented by Doreen Lawrence

• Meridian Tonight (ITV Meridian for ITV1)
• London Tonight (ITN for ITV London)
• WINNER - London's Young Homeless (ITN for ITV London)

Best Factual Programme presented by Krishnan Guru Murthy

• Respect Your Elders (Dragonfly for BBC One)
• Sainsbury's and Channel 4 Present... (IMG for Channel 4)
• WINNER - Letting Go (October Films for BBC One)

2012 Award for Outstanding Achievement presented by Tim Davie

Channel 4 Paralympics coverage

Creative Lead: Chantal Badjie (BBC Diversity Centre)

Producer: Vincent Beasley

Production and Technical: Ear To The Ground

Awards Administration: Nick Sammons, Carnstone Partners LLP

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