Having delved into the buying habits of women for A+E Nets, Tabares is now exploring males through her work on #HisLife: Understanding the Experience of Today’s Man. She feels statistics on diversity within content creators is bleak but believes those figures can change. “I do not believe that this is because the talent is not out there; it surely is,” she says.
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?
Disappointment. I do not believe that this is because the talent is not out there; it surely is. Rather, the industry continues to fish in the same well, a homogeneous pool of talent that is not reflective of America. It is no longer good business and it’s time the industry changes what has been the norm and taps into the wide range of diverse talent that in the end is a benefit to everyone.
In what areas should the industry step up its efforts with regard to diversity and inclusion?
While there is a long way to go in creating greater representation based gender, race/ethnicity, the industry could expand opportunities and shine a light on a broader range of diverse populations (based on age, differently abled, LGBTQ, veterans)…in front of and behind the camera.
What’s your best advice to someone just entering the video content/distribution industry?
There exists such a broad range of career possibilities in this ever-evolving media space, which makes this a very exciting industry to follow a career path. Whether it be in research (data analytics/science, cultural insights) or creative (content development, marketing) or business (sales, business development, partnerships) there are so many fruitful, creative paths. I would recommend exploring as many disciplines as possible when starting at a company. Network, seek out exploratory conversations, shadow colleagues in different departments, rotate jobs early in career… the possibilities are great!
