Snowden is NCTA CEO Michael Powell’s right-hand man, overseeing the powerful association’s day-to-day operations as well as planning and strategic initiatives. All of those roles take on even greater importance in an election year. Add a pandemic to the mix, and let’s just say Snowden has more than enough to do. Yet he still finds time to serve on the boards of NAMIC, The Cable Center and SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders).When it comes to content embracing diversity, Snowden says there is a lot of quality shows out there, including “Insecure,” “Love Victor” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” “What is wonderful to see is that these shows are not trying to be diverse. Instead they are telling their story and that is in itself diverse. This is real life,” he says.
The conversation about racial injustice in 2020 has been… a long overdue conversation this nation needs to have and begin to address in board rooms to playgrounds to social clubs to next door neighbors. Let’s not lose this moment. Stay focused.
In what ways can companies best show a sincere commitment to diversity and inclusion?
There is no magic bullet. A sincere commitment to D&I starts with having a plan and executing on it Not just a goal but a plan. It starts at the top but has to be driven through the organization by everyone. There has to be a D&I expectation set just like meeting your other annual goals.
Which current shows (on linear and streaming) best embrace diversity?
The industry is producing good D&I quality television right now. Everything from Insecure to RuPaul’s Drag. What is wonderful to see is that these shows are not trying to be diverse. Instead they are telling their story and that is in itself diverse. This is real life. The show this summer that embodies this is Love Victor. A young questioning Latino boy, with a black girlfriend with white best friends. The series shows both diversity and inclusion all without ever having to talk about it…..that is how you embrace it. You just do it!
