UK Asian media figures recognised

Meera Syal is a writer, broadcaster and actress

A list of the most powerful Asians in the UK media has been published for the first time, with Labour peer and TV executive Waheed Alli coming top.

Writer and actress Meera Syal was named second most powerful by a panel put together by Asians in Media magazine.

Lord Alli is chairman of Chorion, which owns the rights to Noddy and Miss Marple. He was one of the creators of Channel 4's The Big Breakfast.

The list largely features executives in the media industry.

Third in poll was Channel 4 factual entertainment commissioning editor Nav Raman, who recently brought Bollywood Star and The Ultimate Pop Star to screen.

Reflecting the population

"This exercise proves that the media industry, especially press and advertising, still have a long way to go in truly reflecting Britain's population," said Asians In Media editor Sunny Hundal.

"However it also shows that there are quite a few powerful figures behind the scenes that sometimes don't get acknowledged."

Aaquil Ahmed, Channel 4's commissioning editor for religion, was at number four. He was chosen for his innovative ways of bringing religion to TV.

Anil Gupta, executive producer of Gasp Productions and Hat Trick, came fifth for his work at the companies which produced Goodness Gracious Me and the Kumars at Number 42.

Among the more recognisable faces in the list are Radio 1 DJs Bobby and Nihal, who champion Asian music on their Wednesday night show.

BBC newsreader George Alagiah is also included in the top 20.