The Television Academy Launches Diversity and Inclusion Assessment; Engages ReadySet to Support Comprehensive Effort for Industry's Leadership Organization
Continuing to recognize the need for diversification and a focus on equity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, the Television Academy announced today that it has launched a comprehensive evaluation across the organization, partnering with ReadySet—one of the country's leading consulting firms specializing in the creation of more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces and cultures.
ReadySet has been tasked in the coming months with helping the Television Academy develop a strategic action plan for the Los Angeles-based organization, beginning with an analysis of the Academy's overall policies and procedures and its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As part of the work, the Academy and ReadySet will launch a series of membership, leadership and staff surveys to assess staff and member composition, attitudes and perceptions regarding DEI, opportunities for improvement, and expansion of current practices.
Frank Scherma, Television Academy chairman, said, "We recognize the power of television to tell our stories, shape our conversations and influence the way that we see the world. For this reason, it's important that our industry reflect the world at large on- and off-screen. Now, more than ever, we believe we must increase visibility, equity and power for those marginalized and underrepresented in our industry. For the Academy, that work starts with our membership, leadership and staff."
ReadySet's CEO and founder Y-Vonne Hutchinson said, "We commend this proactive stance by the Academy and are delighted to partner in this effort. Television, as a medium, has the ability to inspire us, reflect us and unite us. We believe the Television Academy is uniquely positioned to drive impactful change across the industry. We're looking forward to working with its leadership team and membership to assist in charting a constructive and meaningful results-oriented path forward."
The Academy will provide updates to its membership through various communiqués and on its website as work progresses over the course of the year.
Scherma also pointed to many discussions with the Television Academy's Executive Committee and the organization's Board of Governors that mandated first conducting an internal evaluation and effecting internal changes in order to provide a leadership example for the industry.
"This mandate is critical for the Academy to not only advocate but be a leader for the industry in the drive for inclusion. With the confluence of many factors and movements—the pandemic, BLM, social justice and me-too—change is more imperative than ever; and it's important that we are listening, and we act."
About the Television Academy
The Television Academy seeks to expand the horizons of television excellence. Through the programs, publications and events of the Academy and its Foundation, it strives to empower storytellers who shape the evolving television space. And it celebrates those who have excelled by recognizing their achievements through accolades and awards, including television's most coveted prize, the Emmy Award. For more information, please visit TelevisionAcademy.com.
Download the press release here.
Contact:
Jim Yeager
breakwhitelight for the Television Academy
jim@breakwhitelight.com
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