9 Story Media Group has appointed Farrell Hall as its new Chief Inclusion Officer. Working with internal and external stakeholders, His new role intended to help promote diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives among all aspects of the company, including the animation studio, Brown Bag Films. “As a producer of children’s content watched by millions of kids around the world, we have a responsibility to tell diverse and authentic stories where every child sees themselves on screen," Hall said. "As an employer, we have a vital obligation to our employees to create a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and has an equal opportunity for personal and professional growth."
Due to take on the duties of the newly established role, Hall, based out of Toronto, will work on the development and estrbalishment of DEI content guidelines, created to fulfill the company's mission to produce diverse and authentic stories. The executive is set to report to President and CEO of 9 Story, Vince Commisso. I’m excited to be joining the team at 9 Story Media Group, a company that is continuously striving to make diversity and inclusion a key pillar of the work they do every day, both on and off screen," said Hall. “Iconic series like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Blue’s Clues,'''You, ''Doc McStuffins, and the highly anticipated Karma’s World are strong examples of 9 Story and Brown Bag Films’ clear and ongoing commitment to telling authentic stories that celebrate diversity, with the utmost thought and care."
Most recently, Farrell served as Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) of Toronto where he led a team responsible for advancing equity and anti-oppression issues. While engaged with the CAS, Farrell had a clear focus on combating anti-Black racism to eliminate disparity and disproportionality in their service outcomes for clients. Farrell also brings additional relevant experience from his time as Manager of Workplace Equity at the Peel District School Board, where he championed the development of workplace equity, anti-oppression and inclusion programs, as well as established initiatives to ensure workplace excellence. Farrell has a strong background in Human Resources, working in the field for over twenty years in the not-for-profit, private and corporate sectors.
In addition, Farrell garnered three years of radio experience at Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. “The introduction of the Chief Inclusion Officer role came as a direct result of internal focus group research, recommendations from our staff, and 9 Story’s commitment to DEI as a priority within our organization,” said Vince Commisso, President and CEO of 9 Story. "I look forward to making an impact on the organization's great legacy of storytelling and helping to create content that celebrates differences, promotes inclusion, and ultimately makes the world a better place for kids and families everywhere," Hall said.
As a producer of children’s content watched by millions of kids around the world, we have a responsibility to tell diverse and authentic stories where every child sees themselves on screen. As an employer, we have a vital obligation to our employees to create a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and has an equal opportunity for personal and professional growth.” Farrell Hall Chief Inclusion Officer, 9 Story Media
