Diverse representation is an expectation, but as individuals no longer allow themselves to be defined in singular terms, there's mounting pressure on brands to understand and sensitively reflect how the intersections between race, gender, class, and ability impact people's everyday lives.

As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

Frustrated that kids’ media has long catered to the interests and experiences of White children, a British mum has launchedCocoa, a magazine series for Black kids. It responds to demands for diversity and representation to become an ingrained and celebrated part of British culture.

In the UK, local radio stations are in flux, with dozens having been rebranded as Greatest Hits stations. But local hosts and listeners are setting up and financing replacements online to cater to the nearly two-fifths of Britons who prefer the community of local stations to national ones.

In a climate where representation in media is vital for minority viewers, Netflix’s Strong Black Lead is using its celebratory platform to ensure Black people feel seen. By constructing a collective voice, not only is it bringing people together, but it showcases true-to-life content.

Netflix and Disney+ may have made headlines for inspiring communal binge-watches in 2020, but their focus on exclusives isn’t revolutionary. How is YouTube changing the media landscape beyond on-demand viewing? And how is it catering to the needs of both audiences and content creators?