Today and year-round, thanks to a variety of initiatives launched by operators and programmers, the cable industry joins the rest of the country in showing military veterans how much we value the sacrifices they have made. Through leveraging the influence, reach, and numerous resources within our industry, there are a myriad of efforts that support these individuals who have given so much for our country.
NCTA is a proud member of Mission Media, an initiative that debuted in September 2015 to promote and support the career development of veterans in the industry. The initiative is a collective effort to implement structures and practices aimed at recruiting, training, and creating supportive work environments for military veterans.
Many networks and operators already have programs dedicated to the placement of veterans within their ranks. Viacom’s Spike TV has led a “Hire a Veteran” campaign for the past four years, and boasts a website with resources and networking tools for hiring and connecting veterans. Disney hosts day-long workshops, or “Veterans Institutes,” to teach cable companies how to build their own veteran hiring programs, and Comcast and NBCUniversal seek out partnerships with veteran-owned businesses as part of their supplier diversity program.
When it comes to spreading awareness of military veterans and their contributions to our country, an array of organizations also carry out school-based initiatives to help kids become better attuned to the meaning of the holiday. One such initiative is A&E’s HISTORY channel, which uses its influence to encourage schools to hold “Take a Veteran to School Day.” The purpose is for schools to invite veterans to share their personal stories with students while helping them learn about their country’s past. Take A Veteran to School Day, which has been around since 2007, offers a curriculum guide as well as suggestions on how to organize events featuring veterans. And outside of the Veterans Day holiday, Bright Housepartnered with a school district early in the year to have students send valentines to veterans. Bright House donated the supplies needed and encouraged the community to show their appreciation for local veterans.
This is just a small sampling of the numerous ways our industry is working towards recognizing our military veterans, educating people about their contributions, and giving veterans the foundation they need to succeed through career building tools and job placement.
And why do we devote so much of our time and efforts to do this? Because ultimately, the success of our veterans, their insights, and their diverse perspectives lead to further innovation and success in our own industry and in our communities nationwide. As NCTA President and veteran Michael Powell wrote, “We will benefit enormously from the leadership of our veterans, who have so much to offer our industry as we navigate the future of the digital era and move into unchartered territory. It is both our moral obligation and in our business interest to give them the tools to succeed.”
For a more comprehensive listing of the various veteran programs taking place in the cable industry, please take a look at this compilation we put together.