One of Rose’s key accomplishments in the last 12 months was the launch of “Grant,” History’s three-night event series about Ulysses S. Grant. Its strategic premiere on Memorial Day, blanketed by similarly military-themed programming that weekend, helped it finish as History’s No. 1 non-fiction miniseries of all time. With military/WWII content resonating strongly with the History audience, he acquired two award-winning miniseries, “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” from WarnerMedia, elevating the brand to the next level. Rose is an integral member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee, an internal group dedicated to ensuring that content created within the company is authentic to the experiences of all people. “Given the social unrest in the country in the last year or so, never has it been more important to amplify the voices of people from underrepresented and marginalized communities,” he says.
How have you been a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Given the social unrest in the United States in the last year or so, never has it been more important to amplify the voices of people from underrepresented and marginalized communities. Since beginning at A+E Networks nearly 5 years ago, I have been an integral member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC), an internal group dedicated to ensuring that content created within the company is representative and authentic to the experiences of all people. From advising on shortform for Black History and AAPI Heritage Month(s) to more recently reviewing treatments and longform episodes from across the company portfolio, the MAC team has weighed-in on a variety of projects and programs going into greenlight; ensuring the stories are diverse and inclusive and alerting producers and executives to any potential sensitivities before the program airs.
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs three years ago?
The most dramatic change in my sector of the business today vs. three years ago is the continued investment in original programming and the acquisition of sports rights by media companies for their respective streaming services. From Disney+ and Peacock to HBO Max and ESPN+, these companies are investing millions of dollars to drive users and subscribers to their offerings. While linear remains the best way to attract the most eyeballs, data shows that viewers are increasingly spending more time on these DTC services.
My best advice for fostering open, honest communication is…
Be a good listener, be open to constructive feedback and respectful of the person with whom you are communicating.
Which celebrity do you think is setting a strong example for the next generation?
Michael B. Jordan is not only a successful actor and producer (and upcoming director), but he has also used his celebrity to create more inclusive environments on Hollywood sets. Through his production company Outlier Society Productions, he has implemented an inclusion rider, mandating that his projects feature a certain proportion of diverse employees (women, BIPOC, LGBTQ, etc.) in front of and behind the camera.
What is your Favorite current show that you feel embraces D&I?
“Station 19” on ABC. In a year in which the global pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement were at the forefront of society, this firehouse-set show deftly navigated each issue. In doing so, the series authentically shone a light on a number of diverse characters; from the lesbian fire captain cementing herself as a leader to the trauma endured by the station’s Black firefighters in the wake of a police brutality storyline and George Floyd’s subsequent murder.
