British diversity-focused TV leadership scheme Breakthrough Leaders is rebranding as Global Breakthrough 360 (GB360), broadening its remit beyond the UK to reflect the increasingly international nature of the television industry. The expansion, aimed at individuals from Black, Asian and Global Majority backgrounds, will build new routes into African and Canadian markets through partnerships with MIP Africa and the Canada Media Fund, giving participants exposure to international financing, co-production and cross-border deal-making.

Under the new partnerships, the 2026/27 cohort will travel to South Africa to meet creators, buyers, distributors and financiers, while the Canada Media Fund tie-up will connect UK and Canadian talent networks. The revamped programme, backed by founding partner Fremantle alongside returning broadcasters ITV, Channel 4 and 5, will offer 50 places for 2026/27, with applications closing on 18 September, and will introduce a new advisory board featuring figures from Idris Elba's Akuna Group, the BBC, Sky and elsewhere. Since launching in 2020, the scheme has supported more than 250 senior creatives, citing a 30% promotion rate among alumni, though 68% still identify access to decision-makers as the biggest barrier to career progression, a finding that shaped GB360's new focus on networks and visibility.