More than 2.1 million customers and 3,200 employees fall under Jennings’ watch in a region that continues to accelerate in customer satisfaction and growth since he took the wheel in 2015. Last year, Mountain West was recognized as the top-performing region in Comcast’s West Division for the second consecutive year. As he continues to enrich the territory with undertakings, such as the opening of new Xfinity retail stores, Jennings remains focused on supporting a diverse workforce. “There is not enough diversity in this space representative across ethnicities and genders,” he posits. “The real question is, Why? Is there an inherent bias or racism? Or are there broader considerations (or both)? How do we demonstrate increasing diversity is not just the ‘right’ thing to do, but it is the ‘smart’ thing to do if you want to reach a larger audience and make more money?”
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?
My reaction is the same as any other reasonable individual. There is not enough diversity in this space representative across ethnicities and genders. The real question is, “why”? Is there an inherent bias or racism? Or are there broader considerations (or both)? How do we demonstrate increasing diversity is not just the “right” thing to do, but it is the “smart” thing to do if you want to reach a larger audience and make more money?
What’s your best advice to someone just entering the video content/distribution industry?
My advice for anyone joining a new industry or starting a career is to educate yourself on your company’s products and services. You should not only absorb and learn as much as you can throughout your workday, but you should also take the time to personally understand how your business and its offerings work first-hand.
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs. three years ago?
AI—The practical applications of Artificial Intelligence and its prevalence in new products.
