“I’m encouraged to see that the industry has evolved to feature more strong female leads and minority characters,” says Weinand, who’s a fan of Dick Wolf franchises “Law and Order” and “FBI” for just those reasons. At Mediacom, Weinand plays dual roles, guiding both programming and HR at the company that just reported Q3 revenues of $557.1 million, up 3.4% over the prior year period. The pandemic has posed significant challenges to both of the sectors she oversees, but this industry veteran continues to do what she does best—innovate. She’s appreciative of early mentor David D’Ottavio, who during her days at Comcast trusted her to take on added responsibilities in a complex scenario: “The circumstances raised my profile in the cable industry. It was that recognition of my abilities early in my career that gave me the confidence that I could do the job and grander things.”
How would you rate the industry regarding gender bias in shows/characters?
I’m encouraged to see that the industry has evolved to feature more strong female leads and minority characters. I enjoy Dick Wolf’s shows a lot. On “Law and Order” Mariska Hargitay’s character Olivia Benson has grown her career. Similar strong characters can be seen throughout today’s enlightened programming including CBS’ “FBI” series.
Do you have an example of male allyship that made a difference to you?
There are of course a number of executives that pushed me forward. I do look to a very critical point specifically at my time at Comcast and when at a significant early step in my career in the cable industry, an executive at Comcast named David D’Ottavio gave me the trust and recognition when he tapped me on the shoulder to take on added responsibilities in a very complex situation. The circumstances raised my profile in the cable industry. It was that recognition of my abilities early in my career that gave me the confidence that I could do the job and grander things.