Wilson is charged with managing all affiliate marketing activities for ESPN brands, including SEC Network and Longhorn Network, and for marketing account strategy with national distributors. She remains optimistic about positive changes happening in the industry in regards to diversity. “I think Netflix’s approach to engaging black content creators and talent is a great example of understanding the marketplace and digging in,” she says. “From solidifying deals with Shonda Rhimes, Kenya Barris and the launch of Strong Black Lead, they’re showing that they realize and appreciate the demand for this kind of content.”
A February 2018 UCLA study revealed that of the 45 new scripted shows approved for 2017-18 across broadcast, cable and digital platforms, only four were from creators of color, all of whom were black. What is your reaction to this report?
It’s disheartening. It has been proven time and time again that content about and by creators of color do extremely well among fans, both in television and film. Not sure what has to happen for the industry as a whole to understand and embrace that fact.
What’s a recent example of a step forward for diversity in the industry?
I think Netflix’s approach to engaging black content creators and talent is a great example of understanding the marketplace and digging in. From solidifying deals with Shonda Rhimes, Kenya Barris and the launch of Strong Black Lead, they’re showing that they realize and appreciate the demand for this kind of content. They’re doubling down on this with the recent announcement of the pending hire of Tendo Nagenda from Walt Disney Studios. This shows me and others that the data supports this strategy and there’s money to be made by being a leader player in this space.
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs. three years ago?
The most dramatic change has been the influx of new entrants to the pay TV space. From Hulu to YouTube TV to DirecTV Now, there’s been a ramp up of companies getting into the TV provider game and spending tons of money to drive the live experience. They clearly see the value of live and are leaning in on providing this content to displaced consumers who are sensitive to price, choice and who are tech-savvy.
