The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced the creation of an advisory committee to the NAB Board of Directors that will provide insights and suggestions on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues. The committee will consist of senior-level broadcasters who are women and people of color, and may include current NAB and NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF) board members who are committed to advancing DEI issues in broadcasting. The DEI Advisory Committee will assess the broadcast radio and television industries’ diversity and inclusion efforts and advise NAB and NABLF boards on strategies, initiatives and partnerships to increase the effectiveness of these efforts.
The committee will also support NAB staff advocacy efforts at the Federal Communications Commission and in Congress on diversity-related issues. In addition, the committee will identify a diverse group of industry experts on various topics for NAB conferences and speaking engagements.
“NAB is committed to ensuring diverse voices are represented in radio and television broadcasting and that every employee has the opportunity to excel in their career,” said NABLF President and NAB Chief Diversity Officer Michelle Duke.
“This new committee will help NAB continue moving diversity and equity forward, and provide guidance for the broadcast community in creating a more inclusive workplace.”
Last summer, NABLF created the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource Center, a website dedicated to helping media companies and industry professionals create and sustain a diverse and inclusive workplace. NAB is also advocating for congressional passage of a tax certificate program that would provide a financial incentive to those who sell their majority interest in a broadcast station to minorities.
DEI Advisory Committee members will serve a two-year term with one opportunity to renew. They will participate in NAB’s board development training designed to enhance board leadership skills and prepare committee members to become successful directors. The inaugural members of the DEI Advisory Committee are:
Sandy BrelandSenior Vice President, Local MediaGray Television Trila BumsteadOwnerOhana Media Group Caroline ChambersSenior Director, DiversityGraham Media Group Alysia CoxVP and Associate General Counsel, RegulatoryCox Media Group Estevan GonzalesGeneral Manager/OwnerKSWV Radio Corey HansonGeneral ManagerWALA – Mobile, ALMeredith Local Media Group Michele Laven – ChairChief Diversity Officer/Chief Human Resources OfficeriHeartMediaDuJuan McCoyOwner, President & CEOCircle City Broadcasting Heidi RaphaelChief Communications OfficerBeasley Media Group Oscar RodriguezPresidentTexas Association of Broadcasters Sharon TinsleyPresidentAlabama Association of Broadcasters Grady TrippChief Diversity OfficerTegna Joel VilmenayGeneral ManagerWDSU – New Orleans, LAHearst Television