Cablefax The Magazine September 2023 - 4

cablefaxmag.com
vp & group publisher, cablefax
Robbie Caploe
(917) 974-0640, rcaploe@accessintel.com
editorial
KEEP FIGHTING
A couple years ago, we saw companies adding their first-ever chief diversity officers
and making DEI initiatives a top priority. There was excitement that some long overdue
conversations were finally being held, but there was also concern that as social justice
protests faded from the headlines, commitments would lapse.
As we sit here today, we are left to reckon with whether those diversity-focused
moves were a watershed moment or a flash in the pan. The verdict is still out. It's
upsetting to see a number of high-profile DEI execs leaving the industry, including at
companies such as Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery. There are still shockwaves over
the Supreme Court's decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions as
well as its position siding with a website designer who invoked the First Amendment to
refuse to create wedding websites for LGBTQ+ couples.
There is definitely some hurt and discouragement. Yet we continue to see rays of
sunlight. Take this month's annual Kaitz Dinner. It will celebrate 40 years of being
focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in media and entertainment and the
distribution of more than $23 million in grants to advance the cause. There's work to
be done, but it's clear evidence that this industry has been open to examining itself
long before DEI became a corporate buzzword. And even though diversity positions are
shrinking overall, there are still industry firsts, such as GCI's decision earlier this year to
promote 25-year veteran Deborah Ferrell as its first-ever Senior Director of DEI. And a
growing number of companies are working to bring accessibility into the DEI equation.
Then there are the executives and organizations in this magazine. They haven't been
afraid to step up, speak out and spark change. As the industry asks itself how to ensure
that 2020 was indeed a turning point, these are the leaders to listen to. We asked them
to weigh in on the current state of the industry and they gave us plenty to think about.
" These recent events can be the fuel that either sparks concerns over corporate
America's commitment to DEI in the face of tougher economic and political conditions
or strengthens the C-Suite's resolve to demonstrate its commitment to DEI, " says Fox
News General Counsel Bernard Gugar.
" I do think DEI is a genuine priority for some companies,
and I find hope when I see young people who look like me...
working their way up the ranks. At the same time, when I
reflect on my own experience, I look at diversity programs
being cut, and I'm worried about where we go next, " adds
Marsha Cooke, ESPN Films and 30 for 30 VP and Executive
Producer.
You can read more excerpts from this year's Diversity
and Pride List honorees on these pages. There was so
much wisdom and diversity of perspectives that we're
making sure to run their full responses to our Q&A online
at CablefaxDiversity.com. As we look at what's ahead, these
luminaries are helping light the way.
4
September 2023
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Cablefax The Magazine September 2023

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