Paul Richardson

Richardson is behind a slew of diversity and inclusion initiatives at ESPN and Disney, from ESPN’s first-ever participation in the New York City Pride Parade in June, to Disney’s “Heroes Work Here,” an effort to hire, train and support returning veterans, to launching employee resource groups and a diversity council. Though he recognizes the movement toward a more diverse workforce in cable is an ongoing process, Richardson is proud to be a part of progress. “I think the cable industry has been committed to diversity ahead of most others. I can’t think of another industry that recognized diversity’s importance earlier than cable. Perhaps it was driven by the fact that we serve audiences of so many different backgrounds, but regardless the reason, I’m glad to be a part of it.”

What grade do you give the cable industry on diversity and why?
B+. Ted Turner has said that he was cable when cable wasn’t cool. I think the cable industry has been committed to diversity ahead of most others. I can’t think of another industry that recognized diversity’s importance earlier than cable. Perhaps it was driven by the fact that we serve audiences of so many different backgrounds, but regardless the reason, I’m glad to be a part of it. That said, I recognize that there is still much work to be done, including increasing diverse representation at senior levels and continuing to enable diverse voices the opportunity to be heard.

What television show/s – cable or broadcast  – best embrace diversity?
Perhaps I’m biased but in addition to ESPN programs like “His&Hers” and “First Take,” our ABC shows have a diverse collection of leading actresses ( Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, Priyanka Chopra) – love what it has done with shows like “Black-ish” and the diversity that we feature in our news product – it’s a sea change in network television and I’m proud to work for the company that is a leader in this space.

Favorite charity organization you work with?
ESPN supports the Jimmy V Foundation and I have come to know the organization quite well in my years here. It’s a wonderful group of people focused on ridding the world of cancer – a disease that unfortunately impacts all of us, regardless of our background.