Celebrating Pride Month: How the Cable Industry is Supporting LGBTQ+ Communities
As Pride Month unfolds, the conversation around LGBTQ+ equality and representation takes center stage. From vibrant Pride parades to insightful discussions and employee-led activities, the cable industry continues to embrace diversity and inclusion in meaningful ways. Learn about some of the initiatives NCTA members have instituted to recognize the importance of the month. Comcast NBCUniversal has Xfinity’s LGBTQ+ Film & TV destination with new features and content collections under the theme “Universal Truths Don’t Change. Love Unites.” To this end, Comcast’s “Newsmakers” series will feature
‘Bad River’: Comcast Chronicles a Native Community’s Fight for Sovereignty
Comcast NBCUniversal's Black Experience partnered with acclaimed filmmaker Mary Mazzio and NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill to produce “Bad River”, a documentary that chronicles the troubled history and present struggle of the Bad River Ojibwe, a Native community in northern Wisconsin. A David vs. Goliath battle The film follows the Bad River Ojibwe as they contest a 70-year-old pipeline on the brink of rupture into Lake Superior, the largest freshwater resource in North America and approximately 20% of the entire world's freshwater supply. For the Bad River Ojibwe, a pipeline rupture would
NAMIC Vision Awards Celebrate Diversity on Screen
Earlier this month, NAMIC announced the winners of the 30th annual NAMIC Vision Awards, honoring original programming that best reflects the increasingly diverse, multi-ethnic, and multicultural viewing audience. For 44 years, NAMIC has been the premier organization that educates, advocates, and empowers for multi-ethnic diversity in the communications industry. This year, OWN, Disney+, CNN, ESPN, Nat Geo WILD, and Peacock were among the Vision Award winners, for programming ranging from documentary series to an animated children’s show. OWN The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), founded by Oprah
Walter Kaitz Foundation Partners With Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Foundation
The Walter Kaitz Foundation announced a new partnership with the Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab last month. Spearheaded by Hillman Grad, the media company founded by Emmy award winning writer, producer, and creator, Lena Waithe, this program provides a six-month intensive development opportunity for a diverse range of actors, writers, and producers. Renewed commitment to developing diverse talent "Amplifying the voices of underrepresented artists and creating pathways for their success is foundational to the work we do at Hillman Grad. The generous support of the Walter Kaitz Foundation will
Industry Stats: Cable’s Sustainability Efforts
This Earth Week, the cable industry continues looking at the progress already made toward building a more sustainable future. Here are a few ways the industry has made a measurable impact by going green.
On Earth Day and Every Day, the Cable Industry Pursues Sustainability
Today is Earth Day, a time to reflect on humans' impact on the planet and what can be done to build a more sustainable future. Whether greening business practices, setting ambitious climate goals, or shining the light on pressing environmental issues, the cable industry is driving progress on environmental sustainability. Here are just a few examples of how the cable industry, across the board, is doing its part to work towards a more sustainable world. Efficient networks: broadband infrastructure Increased energy efficiency for devices and changes across the network footprint have helped
Industry Stats: Women Advancing in the Workforce
March is Women’s History Month, and while the cable industry celebrates and supports women year-round, the month provides an opportunity to check in on how well the workforce actually stacks up. Every few years, WICT commissions the PAR Survey, an analysis of representation in the cable industry workforce across all levels and all segments. While the 2024 report has yet to be released, the most recent report shows gains for women in the cable workforce, notably during a time (2019-2021) when employment was upended for millions as the coronavirus pandemic brought unprecedented uncertainty into
“Diarra From Detroit” Signals BET Studio’s Entrée to Scripted TV
BET Studios is debuting its first-ever scripted series “Diarra from Detroit,” marking a new creative pivot from the studio and network. After a freshly divorced schoolteacher, Diarra, goes on a Tinder date with the man of her dreams, his sudden disappearance sends her on an investigation that leads her through the Detroit underworld. From executive producers Diarra Kilpatrick (who also stars in the lead role) and Kenya Barris (“Black-ish”), the comedy-drama series is set to premiere on March 21 on BET+. The plot thickens: The show follows Diarra as she and her reluctant friends work to solve
TV Networks Are Spotlighting Black Culture and History
As February unfolds, so does the celebration of Black History Month—a time to reflect, honor, and amplify the stories and contributions of the Black community throughout history. Cable TV networks play a pivotal role in bringing these narratives to the forefront, offering a platform to showcase the richness, diversity, and resilience of the Black experience. Cable TV networks have been instrumental in ensuring that these narratives receive the attention they deserve, reaching a wide audience and fostering a greater understanding of the Black experience. Here are just a handful of networks that
Broadband Stats: Connecting Every American
Closing the digital divide is a complex task that goes far beyond extending broadband service. Cost and digital literacy are key to successful adoption and to making the most of a connection. For years, cable ISPs have offered low-cost broadband adoption programs available to families who qualify for free or reduced school lunches, as well as veterans, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. In addition to these programs, cable ISPs also often donate devices and offer digital literacy programs to help the previously unconnected take full advantage of their new connection.