ViacomCBS Networks has announced a series of measures to strengthen its diversity and inclusion drive in the UK. The broadcaster wants to accelerate diverse representation on-screen, off-screen and within its organisation.
It’s bringing in a ‘no diversity, no commission’ content policy for its suppliers, and extending CDN’s Diamond diversity data monitoring across all its pay-TV brands, in addition to Channel 5.
There will be a new role within its commissioning team responsible for identifying and developing diverse talent on- and off-screen, at all levels. A ‘New Faces, New Voices’ diverse contributors search in order to boost on-screen representation.
The intention is to implement a raft of measures to embed inclusion into its strategy and leadership decisions. A new Inclusion Board will allign senior leadership team in the UK with its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and will give quarterly reports on performance.
Maria Kyriacou, President, ViacomCBS Networks UK & Australia said: “Society is now at an inflection point on the issue of systemic racism and as individuals, as a company, we all have a part to play in righting centuries of wrongs. For too long the TV industry has been a relative closed shop and if we are to be of continued relevance to the audiences that we serve, then this must change.
“Diversity and inclusion is a core company value, yet hearing from our employees over the course of the past few weeks, we know that we can and we must do more to increase representation at all levels. Our commitment to this cannot be overstated.”