60 seconds with Naren Patel

Industry Voices

60 seconds with Naren Patel

23 February 2023

Industry Voices

60 seconds with Naren Patel

Naren Patel has more than 30 years experience in the media industry. He grew Primesight into one of the most successful UK media brands and in 2017 he founded a social enterprise dedicated to closing the representation gap in media and advertising. We caught up with him to find out more.

What do you love most about publishing?

Reading something that is well written is joyful. Particularly when it challenges your own point of view on a subject.

You’re the founder of Media for All (MEFA), can you tell us more about why you set it up and what MEFA champions?

People of colour are underrepresented in Media and Advertising. They make up less than 10% of the workforce and less than 4% of c suite – despite it being estimated that people from ethnic minority backgrounds make up 25% of the London working population, where a lot of media businesses are based.

At MEFA, we have three pillars:

Recruit – get ethnic minorities into the industry and get them into great jobs

Retain – make sure they stay in the industry by giving them a community where they can thrive

Rise – give our members the confidence and the skills they need to get promoted

I have had a fabulous career in media and want other people of colour to experience what I experienced.

Mentoring is at the heart of MEFA’s ethos, why is this so valuable in our industry today?
MEFA’s mentors and mentees are from ethnic minority backgrounds. This provides mentees with role models who they can identify with.

Our mentors support, encourage, and champion talent – providing learning from lived experiences and practical expertise in a safe space. This year over 200 mentees will complete our six-month structured programme.

What do you think people misunderstand most about diversity and inclusion?
I think people struggle to make the connection between diverse workforces and improved business performance. Publishers serve diverse communities so it’s essential their content gives underrepresented voices a platform. This starts with championing diverse candidates, supporting employees, and providing opportunities for development, and why we’re partnering with the PPA.

Everyone should read the McKinsey Reports on Diversity and study the evidence.

How can people support MEFA?
Learn more about our mission, champion anti-racism, and spread the word. Encourage your employees of colour to join MEFA. It is easy, it is free, and will hopefully lead to a long and happy career in media.

Stats from All in Census 2021, Advertising Association. Find out more about MEFA here.

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