Iyare Igiehon

Iyare Igiehon is Creative Diversity Partner at the BBC. In this role he is responsible for supporting the commissioning teams and independent suppliers to drive change, increase representation and ensure the BBC delivers against its strategic goals and public purpose with a particular focus on the BBC’s 20% diversity target and commitment to £100m of diverse programming . His specific remit covers scripted TV content and Radio and Music.

His career has taken in a number roles often with a focus on black culture and entertainment. This has meant everything from curating the DJ music promo title Streetbeats for the CD Pool to singles review column for the New Nation Newspaper and a stint as audio editor at black culture website darkerthanblue.com. 

Whilst he is perhaps best known for his work in radio as a presenter including shows for BBC 1Xtra, BBC 6Music and BBC Radio 2 he has also worked extensively as a producer. His work in this area ranges from ongoing series for BBC radio, one-off documentaries, regular guest appearances and radio advertising for the UK arm of BET. He is also an experienced voice over artist and live event host having hosted a wide range of music, comedy, film and awards events. 

Iyare programmed the BFI’s Future Film educational filmmaking sessions at the BFI Southbank for three years before joining the BFI’s diversity department where he performed the role of Inclusion Events and Partnerships Executive.

In 2014 he cofounded S.O.U.L. an organisation that advocates for BAME practitioners in British film and television and in 2019 led a consortium of Black film organisations in launching a new Black British film festival, S.O.U.L. Fest. In 2022 completed its fourth annual festival.

About the BBC

The BBC is the world's leading public service broadcaster. Its mission is to enrich people's lives with programmes that inform, educate and entertain.  It provides services including 9 national TV channels plus regional programming, 10 national radio stations, 40 local radio stations and an extensive website. The BBC World Service broadcasts to the world on radio, TV and online, providing news and information in English and 41 other languages.