Drew Hyndman
Journalist at BBC News
Media and Publishing
Since joining the BBC through the Extend scheme, since leaving university just four years ago, Drew has been championing disabled and neurodivergent people both in his work and inside the organisation.
In his work across podcasts, radio and online he has frequently centred the stories of disabled people including an online feature about streamer SweetAnita and producing the latest series of the 1800 Seconds on Autism podcast with episodes featuring Chris Packham and Holly Smale. This series of the podcast was the first time a BBC programme had been made by an all autistic team of producer and presenters.
As producer of Money Box Live he produced two episodes focussed on the personal finance issues facing disabled people and, for the first time, an episode co-presented by blind journalist and presenter Emma Tracey.
As a member of the BBC’s Next Generation Committee, presenting proposals to the Executive Committee, he and his team proposed changes to improve support for disabled staff at the BBC and help the organisation meet its 12% target. Many of these changes have since been taken on, including making accessing existing support easier and tailoring support to different needs. He and the team continue to push for their implementation.
He keeps flying the flag for disabled and neurodivergent representation across the BBC and journalism as a whole: Speaking to podcasts about being an autistic and ADHD journalist, supporting neurodivergent colleagues at work, and providing feedback and support to other colleagues to ensure news output is telling authentic disabled stories.
“The Disability Power list is the kind of place I’d look for good disabled guests, it’s completely surreal to be included this year! I know there are a lot of young neurodivergent journalists coming up and I can’t wait to see them take my place on future lists with their brilliant work and advocacy.”
“I have always known that I was different”
— Drew Hyndman 🧏🏼♂️ (@Drew_Hyndman) March 27, 2023
1800 Seconds on Autism is BACK! Here’s a little preview into our chat with the brilliant @chloeshayden.
You can find this episode and more including @ChrisGPackham and @HolSmale on @BBCSounds! pic.twitter.com/cpHohcgyM5
Disability Power 100 2023 profile information has been self-submitted by the profile subject. Shaw Trust understands and respects that disability and impairment descriptors and language use varies from person to person. Shaw Trust assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or discrepancies in the content of this, or any other, profile page.
Image credit: BBC News
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