MIPTV today announces A+E Networks as the recipient of the second annual MIP SDG Award which will be presented during Digital MIPTV week (12-16 April). Paul Buccieri, President of A+E Networks, will be presented with the award on Thursday 15 April, in a dedicated online event featuring stars from A+E Networks as well as the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Melissa Fleming. “They are a leading voice in promoting equality and most importantly are committed to taking action and using their platforms to drive change,” Lucy Smith, Director of MIPTV, said. “We are very proud to have a long-standing association with them as founding partners of the MIPCOM Women in Global Entertainment Power Lunch, and the MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards.”
This year’s award will be dedicated to Goal #10 – Reduced Inequalities. The award recognizes A+E Networks’ long-standing commitment to reducing inequality, promoting diversity and inclusion. The issues will be targeted through the strengthening of programming, internal policies, hiring decisions, and corporate outreach initiatives. “We are very grateful to the United Nations and our partners at Reed MIDEM for recognizing our team’s commitment to equality, justice, diversity, and inclusion,” Paul Buccieri, President of A+E Networks said. “At A+E Networks, we believe that striving for equality is a never-ending and ongoing journey that we are all on together.”
In recent years, the company has worked on initiatives to help create a more equal and inclusive world through its agenda. The business is committed to prioritizing internal inclusion that allow employees of all identities to thrive in the workplace. “Our company has a long-standing history of working towards positive change, and we believe firmly and passionately in using our platforms for purpose,” Buccieri said. “There is more work to be done, and we are honored to continue to join with our partners to achieve these goals.”
The Broad Focus initiative was designed to provide women with more opportunities to write, develop, produce and direct for the network. A+E's Lifetime now exceeds industry averages with 82% of writers, 78% of directors, and 67% of producers who are women. Some of the titles associates with A+E's efforts include the short-form series "The Voice Magnified" and "Surviving R Kelly."