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.
New Research From Cox Shows How High-Speed Internet Sparks Rural Vitality
While 95% of Americans have multiple choices for home broadband service, nearly 10 million people who live in rural areas have yet to be connected. But thanks to an unprecedented boost of federal funding from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure legislation, the mission to connect every community is within reach. Cable providers are an integral part of this effort, with the aim of creating greater opportunities for economic and educational advancement through connectivity. Over the past year and a half, Cox Communications has expanded its fiber network to reach more than 50,000 households that
Highlights From Comcast’s 2023 Green Bond Report
The green bond gives investors the opportunity to support key Comcast carbon emissions reduction projects to make progress toward its carbon neutral goal. Advancing environmental sustainability requires action on many fronts. Comcast has acted in many ways, including setting a goal to be carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 across its global operations. To help meet this goal, in February 2023, Comcast issued a $1 billion green bond that offered investors the opportunity to support environmental efforts that are currently underway or under consideration across the business – from
Celebrating 20 Years of TV One
TV One, known for its commitment to highlighting and showcasing the diversity of Black culture and entertainment, turns 20 years old today. Established on January 19, 2004, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, by Radio One (now Urban One), TV One was founded to provide a platform for stories and voices often underrepresented in mainstream television. Today, the network serves over 44 million households. Take a look at some of the network's defining moments. Early Hits In its early years, TV One introduced a variety of shows that became instant hits. Series like "Unsung" delved into the lives and