Industry involvement and community outreach come naturally at Scripps Networks Interactive. It is an outgrowth of our core values and a testament to our people. We support the following diversity-related organizations and their missions as a corporate citizen and active recruiter looking for the best talent through our strong partnerships.
WICT - Women in Cable Telecommunications
As the oldest and largest organization serving women professionals in cable telecommunications, WICT maintains its original objective to advance the influence of women within the industry and develop women leaders. The touchstones of WICT, "Know Yourself, Communicate, Listen, Connect, Be a Catalyst, Be Fearless and Inspire," serve as inspiration to its members. Scripps Networks Interactive truly emodies this vision with women in influential leadership positions throughout the company.
As advocates of WICT, Scripps Networks employees participate in many development programs, including the acclaimed Betsy Magness Leadership Institute, Executive Development Seminars, Rising Leaders Program and WICT Cable Boot Camp. Scripps Networks employees participate in the annual WICT Leadership Conference as both speakers and attendees. As WICT's advocacy initiative to both measure and support the advancement of women, the PAR Initiative survey has repeatedly honored Scripps Networks for its pay equity for women and for advancement opportunities for women.
Scripps Networks Interactive has constantly been recognized by WICT as one of the top places to work in cable. Scripps Networks employees have been recognized as some of cable's "Women to Watch" and "Most Powerful Women in Cable," with multiple Red Letter Awards and as one of WICT's Best Programmers for Women in Cable.
NAMIC - National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Cable
The mission of the National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Cable (NAMIC) is to improve diversity within the ranks of the cable industry. As a supporter of NAMIC, Scripps Networks employees participate in the NAMIC Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), Leadership Seminar and annual conference. Scripps Networks employees have also participated in NAMIC roundtables where industry leaders discuss diversity issues, served as panelists and spoken during NAMIC conferences and local chapter events.
Scripps Networks Interactive has received numerous recognitions from NAMIC including Next Generation Leaders, Members Choice Award, NAMIC Luminaries and recently the NAMIC Vision Award.
NUL - National Urban League
The National Urban League (NUL) is the nation's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Scripps Networks is an active promoter of diversity at all levels of its workforce and within its programming. To continue its emphasis on diversity in the workforce, Scripps Networks is a member of the National Urban League and the Knoxville Area Urban League. The company is also a supporter of the Urban League's Young Professionals organizations.
In the past, Scripps Networks has sponsored a series of Young Professionals receptions in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas and Knoxville. Additionally, each year Scripps Networks attends the National Urban League Annual Conference as a participant and as a sponsor.
The Walter Kaitz Foundation
The Walter Kaitz Foundation was founded by Spencer Kaitz to advocate fairness and inclusion as the public face of the cable industry's diversity efforts. Its annual "Diversity Week" brings together many of the industry's most prominent members to strategize on ways to improve cable's recruitment, training and promotion of minorities. As a supporter of the Walter Kaitz Foundation, Scripps Networks attends the annual Fundraising Dinner, participates in its industry-wide Supplier Diversity Workshop and is a founding member of the Kaitz Foundation Hollywood Creative Forum, supporting experienced producers, directors and writers of color.
Scripps Networks works closely with the Kaitz Foundation to support the Howard University School of Business. As a corporate sponsor, Scripps Networks mentors students, delivers presentations at retreats and workshops, puts students to work solving real industry problems and hosts networking activities. The Kaitz Foundation helps fund the Link Mentoring Program, Summer Conference and the Emma Bowen Foundation Career Guide. Scripps Networks supports the Emma Bowen Foundation's effort for minority involvement in the media by offering internships to foundation students.
Knoxville Diversity Summit
Recently, Scripps Networks Interactive, in collaboration with the Knoxville Area Urban League and the Knoxville Chamber, hosted the region's first Diversity Summit. The summit brought together a distinguished group of community, business and political leaders to discuss the value of a diverse community and workforce as well as to explore strategies to enhance marketplace diversity in Tennessee's Innovation Valley.
Luke Visconti, partner and co-founder of DiversityInc, delivered the keynote address, "Why Diversity Matters," and moderated a panel of business leaders on "Diversity: Workforce, Workplace and Community."
"There is no question that companies with a diverse workforce are more resourceful, more innovative and can respond more nimbly to changes in the marketplace," said Kenneth W. Lowe, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Scripps Networks Interactive.