Embarrassing

Whilst spending a moment on Facebook this morning, I had a quick look at the RSGB's page.  I was hoping to see something about the recent OFCOM rules on RF exposure.  Instead, I came across a long list of posts about various winners of prizes the RSGB issues every so often.

Whilst the likes of the Oscars have been criticised heavily for 'overlooking' non-white people in the film industry (and eventually corrected this problem), the RSGB still saw fit this year to award all its prizes to white men, all but one of whom was elderly.

Again, nothing against those who won the prizes.  I'm sure they deserve them.  But in today's world, to have no less-than-white faces, no non-male faces, and essentially no young faces, is really indicative of a serious underlying problem.

Is amateur radio simply unattractive to women, the young, and ethnic minorities? Or is it that there is a greater diversity in the membership, but that the RSGB either doesn't understand it should seek to be inclusive or, worse, that it is choosing not to be? 

All very disappointing and, to my mind, entirely unacceptable.  No matter when I look at the RSGB, I never - ever - find myself thinking it has changed its ways from the London Wireless Club it owes its origins to.  

It's time the RSGB woke up and realised how desperately out of touch with modern reality and inclusivity it has become.