LMA Commits to Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives and KPIs
Chief Diversity Club, funded by the Google News Initiative, headlines the list
As part of a five-year strategic plan, the Local Media Association is committing resources to diversity and inclusion efforts that will help change the course of the industry.
The plan includes a number of exciting initiatives along with KPIs to measure success.
New initiatives include:
– The launch of a Chief Diversity Club, funded by the Google News Initiative, and led by Ryan Browning, Principal, Mercer Innovation Hub.This will be modeled after LMA’s highly successful Chief Digital Club. This will be free of charge for LMA members that want to make diversity and inclusion a top priority at their company. Bi-monthly video calls will be dedicated to sharing best practices and developing effective strategies. Mercer is working with 28,000 companies worldwide on the work force of the future. At the top of the list is the need to be intentionally diverse.
– The creation of a committee led by Stephanie Slagle, Director of Digital, WBNS, Jeremy Gockel, Head of Innovation, McClatchy and Guy Tasaka, Founder/Managing Partner, Tasaka Digital to work on big and bold strategies that will increase the number of under-represented individuals that participate in LMA conferences, digital and content clubs, Innovation Missions and other events.
– Sponsored LMA memberships for publications representing under-represented communities. Up to 50 local media companies can join the LMA at no cost in 2019, with all membership benefits including two registrations to the Digital Revenue Summit April 22-23 in Chicago. Contact Jack Zavoral for more information; jack.zavoral@localmedia.org
– Sponsored attendance at each LMA Innovation Mission. Details and applications TBD.
The LMA board also approved internal KPIs to strengthen the organization’s diversity efforts including:
– 50% of the LMA and LMF boards will be represented by women by 2021. Today that number is 33%.
– 50% of speakers at all LMA conferences will be represented by women by 2020 (it is 43% at this week’s Media Transformation conference).
-At least six board positions (LMA and LMF combined) will be occupied by under-represented individuals by 2021.
“We are excited to take the lead when it comes to diversity and inclusion,” said Nancy Lane, President, LMA, “Our Women in Local Media Summit that took place in Kansas City yesterday was a great first step. We are grateful to the Google News Initiative for their partnership and leadership. We can no longer look the other way – diversity is critical to our future success.”
The chief diversity club will launch in November. To nominate someone from your company, simply email Lindsey Estes at lindsey.estes@localmedia.org, and include their name, title and company.
We also encourage anyone that wants to get involved with these efforts, to contact Lindsey Estes. Or let us know if you want to recommend someone.