Diversity Month may be coming to a close, but the cable industry continues its quest to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace every day of the year. From funds raised for diversity initiatives through the Walter Kaitz Foundation to the putting together of the biennial AIM/PAR Workforce Survey to measure progress in diversity demographics, the industry comes together time and time again to improve advancement opportunities for people of color, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and underrepresented groups of people.
And on their own, cable internet service providers (ISPs) have launched programs to increase representation among their employee ranks and to help the communities they serve give underrepresented people the tools and resources they to succeed—whether in education, career-wise, or personally. These include alliances and partnerships formed to embrace diversity, fight injustice and inequity, and champion equality.
On the workforce front, cable providers create a workforce that reflects the myriad of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives found across America and the world. This is achieved through their commitment to improving diversity hiring practices, fostering career advancement (particularly for women and people of color), forming employee resource groups to create a safe space for underrepresented people, and by providing diversity education and training for employees. They have also implemented supplier diversity programs to give vendors and small businesses run by women and people of color the opportunity to provide their services and products.
Then within their footprints, providers use their large influence and reach to effect positive change by opening pathways for underrepresented populations.
Last year marked the launch of Comcast RISE, which Comcast created to provide opportunities to racially and ethnically diverse small business owners through grants and support, especially for those businesses that were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning of this year, Comcast further expanded eligibility for the program to include all women-owned businesses. This is one of the numerous digital equity initiatives supported by Comcast.
At Charter, the company houses various philanthropic and engagement programs aimed at empowering its communities. These include Spectrum Community Assist, Spectrum Digital Education, Spectrum Employee Community Grants, Spectrum Scholars and Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund. These programs look to improve economic opportunities and quality of life for those most in need.
Similarly, Cox supports local-giving initiatives that focus on underprivileged youth, diversity efforts, and numerous social and education issues through its Cox Charities division. Mediacom has also shown its commitment to diversity through its partnership with the Emma Bowen Foundation, which places promising students of color in paid internships in the media industry. Midco also actively supports organizations that work with minority populations through event sponsorships, public service announcements, and cash awards from the Midco Foundation. And at GCI, the Alaskan provider prides itself on its charitable giving towards nonprofits and efforts that are focused on diversity and inclusion and cultural arts and innovation, among other social issues.
These are just a sampling of the many programs and initiatives started by and supported by cable ISPs that strive to promote and leverage diversity within and beyond the workplace. While the work is never done, the cable industry will continue to play its part in advocating for and fostering safe and inclusive environments where people of all backgrounds can thrive.
Read how cable TV networks are championing diversity and inclusion within their workplaces and beyond.