Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

The annual NAB Diversity Symposium took place during NAB Show in Las Vegas in April. Designed to help broadcast organizations develop corporate diversity, DEI strategies and embrace diversity in media and the workplace, this year's symposium focused on inclusion and featured panels of chief diversity officers, military veterans, disability rights advocates and several DEI experts.

"NAB is committed to assisting broadcast and media companies with reaching their employment requirements and building a workforce that mirrors our surrounding communities," said Michelle Duke, NAB chief diversity officer. "During this symposium, we provide our members with the tools, knowledge and resources to help them discover top-notch talent and enable employees to propel their careers forward. Overall, these sessions further NAB's critical mission of opening opportunities, fostering inclusive workplaces and assisting the broadcast industry.

In November, NAB in partnership with NAB Leadership Foundation hosted the annual Human Resources and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum. The one-day forum, open to senior human resources and DEI executives and professionals in the broadcast industry, focused on fostering dialogue and exchanging ideas among broadcast companies regarding talent management, retention and DEI best practices.

Following are the top five takeaways from the speakers:

• Human Resources and DEI execs should lean deeper into skills knowledge hiring. Many hiring managers are too focused on hiring based on experience. Consider the skillset needed to accomplish the job. Knowledge about the industry and role can be taught. A 2021 Harvard Business Review article highlights why this is important.
• Employee engagement is critical for optimal performance. Only 32% of workers in the U.S. are "engaged," according to a recent Gallup study. Workers want a connection to a sense of purpose and meaning on the job.
• The long-standing adage still holds true: most people leave managers, not jobs. Management training is a critical step toward retaining top talent. According to a 2022 Manpower study, workers want workplaces with supportive managers (74%) and trusted leaders (71%) that offer more flexibility, autonomy, trust, coaching and development.
• While AI can complement the recruitment process, most job seekers still prefer human contact. A recent Boston Consulting Group study found that most job seekers still prefer human contact. Many companies are using these tools to assist them in the process of hiring and retaining talent.

In 2023, NAB launched a four-part webinar series, Diversity Speaks: A DEI Webinar Series for Broadcasters, focused on delivering helpful information to build and execute effective DEI strategies.

The series featured the following topics and speakers:

• How the SCOTUS Affirmative Action Ruling impacts the DEI landscape: Stacy Hawkins, law professor at Rutgers Law School, shares strategies that broadcasters may consider as they continue to execute their DEI initiatives.
• Conscious Equality - A Holistic Approach to Addressing DEI Issues in your Work: Founder and CEO of Conscious Equality Incorporated Karen Craggs-Milne provides the framework for a practical approach to assessing broadcasters’ DEI work and building on current efforts in a meaningful way.
• Psychological Safety for Leaders: Sacha Thompson, founder of The Equity Equation, a boutique inclusive culture consulting and coaching firm based in the Washington, D.C., area, walks through the 4 Stages of Psychological Safety and positions leaders to understand how psychological safety impacts inclusion efforts.
• Managing the Multigenerational Workforce: Jessica Miller-Merrell, founder of Workology, a workplace resource for HR, recruiting professionals and business leaders, shares advice broadcasters can immediately apply to their business strategy and offers tips for managing differences and creating an environment where employees of any generation can thrive.

• Learn More

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource Center provides individuals and organizations the information necessary to spark ideas, drive inclusivity and seek change for a more diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace.

• This resource center is a starting point to explore the organizations, consultants, resources and toolkits necessary to train, educate and guide the workforce forward.

• Explore the Resource Center