Take a Look at the 2020 ViacomCBS Social Impact Review

The discussion around the fact there is a disparity in the entertainment industry when it comes to BIPOC and women has moved from just talk to major entities like ViacomCBS taking action in ways we can see and feel on multiple levels. Inclusion in the boardrooms, opportunities behind the camera, and opportunities to help guide the narrative about the struggles and achievements of those less talked about or recognized are happening within this company on a major scale. I got to take a look at their 202 Social Impact Review and I have to say this company is putting in an admirable amount of work and have risen to the occasion, realizing they “..had to demonstrate who we are as a company and how we show up around the world.”

A statement from Bob Bakish President & CEO, ViacomCBS says “At our core, ViacomCBS is made up of a team of doers and creatives looking to change the world. And as one of the world’s largest content creators, our commitment to social impact is a top priority.”

Their 2020 ViacomCBS Social Impact Review, describes the company’s efforts to drive equity, inclusion, and social justice in the communities where they operate.

Here’s a brief description from ViacomCBS about the review and their efforts:

ViacomCBS is one of the world’s leading content creators and home to major media and entertainment brands, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount+, Paramount Pictures, Pluto TV, Showtime, and more.

As a content company with global reach and influence, we’re focused on our opportunity to use our platforms to educate and drive conversations on the issues that matter most to our viewers. Over the last year, we’ve heightened our efforts to include:

Fostering Racial Justice Dialogues with Kids: ViacomCBS network Nickelodeon marked its return to primetime with “Kids, Race and Unity: A Nick News Special,” hosted by Alicia Keys. The special amplified the voices of Black kids, highlighted youth activists fighting racial injustice, and featured a Q&A with the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement. We continue to air Nick News programs dedicated to educating kids on these issues.
Addressing Systemic Racism Through Content: Our network BET announced Content for Change, a groundbreaking social justice initiative anchored in the belief that media plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving individual and community values, perceptions, and actions. In partnership with Stanford University, and with support from corporate, civil rights and social justice organizations, this effort will focus on creating and distributing content that helps drive the critical changes needed to eliminate systemic racism and inequality in America.
Increasing Representation Behind The Screen: ViacomCBS’ companywide talent initiatives have focused on accelerating the company’s commitment to increasing opportunities for underrepresented talent, including behind the scenes. As a few examples:
- MTV Entertainment Group announced the First Time Directors Program in September 2020, which will provide opportunities for first-time BIPOC and women filmmakers to elevate multicultural narratives and voices that resonate with audiences globally.
  - The program anticipates delivering 50 films across Paramount Network, MTV, Comedy Central and the MTV Entertainment Group portfolio in coming years.

- CBS is also stepping up efforts to advance DEI for television creators and writers — committing at least 25% of its script development budget to creators, writers, and producers who are BIPOC starting with the 2021-22 development season and mandating that writers’ rooms be staffed with a minimum of 40% BIPOC representation for the 2021-22 broadcast season.

View the full 2020 Social Impact Review Report here

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.