2008 NAMIC Conference Blog

“Around Town with Fred Brown”
9.17.08

2008 CONFERENCE IS A WRAP!

With over 800 media professionals in attendance for this last conference in Gotham City, even Superman could not absorb all of the information and resources made available at the NAMIC Conference. It was indeed, the best conference ever. Informative, controversial, substantive and fun, NAMIC once again delivered a top-flight industry event that left participants enthused and thinking.

In 3-action packed days, there was a record-breaking number of panels, attendees, sponsors/exhibitors, media partners and receptions, all supporting the theme: NAMIC is your pipeline to diversity in the communications industry. Overall, “inclusion” was the thrust of the conference. No stone was left unturned regarding serious issues facing people of color in telecommunications, and the conference provided an insider’s glimpse into the challenges and strategies for future growth. From writers’ workshops, to town hall meetings, to star-studded keynote speeches, to a conversation with CNN’s Soledad O’Brien – NAMIC’s conference had it “going on.” Kudos to the small yet highly efficient NAMIC staff, based in the NY office, who made it all happen.

“It is a wrap…and what conference it was,” said Kathy Johnson, NAMIC's President. “We could not be more pleased. NAMIC’s annual conference is an industry staple after 22 years. We are so grateful to our members, sponsors, media partners, our conference co-chairs and committees -- and of course our staff, who worked tirelessly for months to bring the conference all together. “Thank you” is the best expression I can offer in closing, and we hope to take it to the hills next year when we launch the 2009 NAMIC 23rd Annual Conference in Denver. See you all there.”

CALL TO ACTION: We need to hear from you bloggers…what you saw, what you think and your views on the overall conference success. Remember NAMIC’s tagline: EMBRACE Diversity…EMBRACE Success! So post your comments as soon as possible, and let your voice be heard.

This is Fred Brown, signing off.

2008 NAMIC Conference Blog

“Around Town with Fred Brown”
9.16.08

Hot Topics: Humanitarian Achievement and Mentoring

THE QUEEN OF ADVOCACY JOURNALISM CHARLAYNE HUNTER-GAULT PROUDLY ACCEPTS AWARD!

It’s hard to fathom we’re in the last day of the 2008 NAMIC Conference, but the clock is ticking on what will be recorded as “the best conference ever.” The morning general session kicked-off with the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award presented to journalism pioneer Charlayne Hunter-Gault. Introducing her was Alicin Williamson, SVP, Corporate Responsibility & Public Affairs at MTV Networks and NAMIC Board Chair. There was a roaring applause when Hunter-Gault stepped on stage to receive this prestigious industry award for her commitment to cultural reporting in a career that has spanned 40 years.

“I had no idea this was going to be a tear-jerker..but here I am having a moment on this stage in front of all of you,” said the emotional Hunter-Gault. “What I set out to do is to create journalistic reports that help people see themselves as they are. And it’s an honor to accept this award before my industry peers for a Congressman who truly demonstrated his passion for people,” said Hunter-Gault.

“We are witnessing genuine global growth, and this is not the time to turn a face away from diversity. I am still clothed in my suit of armor crafted out of The Movement, and I implore you to wear your armor too.”

Ms. Hunter Gault – NAMIC congratulates you on this much deserved award. After all, it was you who stood on the front lines as the first black woman to attend the University of Georgia. And, when you crossed the picket-line, into the front doors of that school, you broke a barrier and opened the door for future generations of media professionals of color, which NAMIC represents.

THREE CHEERS FOR CHARLAYNE HUNTER-GAULT! In closing, she said, “And I have no problem with my age at 66 years.” Well if you ask me, she’s still got it.

CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHT: MEDIA AND POLITICS..THEY GO TOGETHER

It seemed appropriate that following the presentation of the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award to veteran journalist/activist Charlayne Hunter-Gault at the conference, that the “doors of the church” would open, so to speak, for a heated debate about the effect of media coverage in politics. And, the panel was hot, moderated by fun-guy John Norris of MTV News, who put on his serious hat to lead the panel discussion.

Feature panelists included: Pamela Gentry, senior political producer, BET Networks; Lee Hawkins, CNBC contributor and reporter, Wall Street Journal; Roland Martin, journalist and syndicated columnist; and Sree Sreenivasan, Dean of Student affairs, Columbia University School of Journalism and tech reporter for WNBC-TV.

The diverse panel of seasoned journalists engaged in a talk about objectivity, bias and diversity issues in newsrooms across America, and how those factors are reflected in national political coverage --- often filled with personalities, positions, platforms and pundits. This 2008 Election Year presents a stable of new challenges for journalists, whose job it is to report facts about our Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, only weeks before the general election in November.

“Timing is everything,” commented NAMIC President Kathy Johnson. “And, we would be remiss if we did not have this panel which addressed the marriage between the media and politics this year, in particular. We know mass media has tremendous influence on decision-making. This panel, which represented a wide array of view-points and ethnicities, was an ideal way of letting the experts speak about what they do best,” added Johnson.

And the experts had plenty to say. Stay tuned for more coverage of the NAMIC 2008 Conference…right after this…

TAKE PEN TO PAPER: 2008 WRITER'S WORKSHOP… WORKED IT!

While the panels were buzzing and participants jaunting from room-to-room throughout the Marriott, there was a quieter track underway – a two-day Writers’ Workshop, led by Veteran TV Executive and Producer Carole Kirschner. The workshop, sponsored by the Walter Kaitz Foundation, was designed for 15 writers of color, who were selected to participate in the intensive education forum. And, Kirschner brought with her tons of expertise, as the chief architect of the CBS Diversity Institute Writers Mentoring Program.

“Carole and her team of instructors is a tremendous asset to the workshop of budding writers who need to be instructed, coached and guided through the process – not only to hone their crafts as writers, but to gain valuable insight into the business of show business,” said Jim Jones, NAMIC’s VP of Education Programs.


ALLAN HOUSTON- A TOWER OF HOPE!

And speaking of getting it – former NY Knicks and NBA-All Star Allan Houston’s got it. Looking dashing in his suit and towering over the rest of us, Allan had the tall order as the keynote speaker for the L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship 15th Anniversary Luncheon, sponsored by the Walter Kaitz Foundation.

Although retired from basketball, Houston’s work is hardly complete. As the Founder of the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation, he heads the non-profit organization that operates regional basketball camps around the country, for father and their sons, as well as innovative programs to develop aspiring entrepreneurs. And while basketball is the medium, mentorship and bonding is the message he delivers throughout the programs. “I believe in the power of mentorship, and NAMIC is right on track with that.”

Allan went on to share his fundamental formula for success, and he scored a slam dunk.
Key ingredients include integrity and faith. According to Allan, trust is the basis of everything, and you have to have pure motives and intents. Leadership by example and leaving behind a legacy are also critical to having a lasting impact.

And it didn’t take long for us to feel Houston’s impact on the audience. Allan is truly an All-Star – as a baller, mentor, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

DIVERSITY IN COMMUNICATIONS CAREER EXPO: YOU’RE HIRED!


A much anticipated element of the NAMIC conference each year is the career fair, which is free and open to the general public of media professionals. After all, jobs are what we need, and the NAMIC Career Expo is where to find them.

This year’s exhibitors included the following:

A&E Television Networks
Black Enterprise
Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News
Cablevision
Charter Communications
Comcast
Comcast Programming Group
Cox Communications
Digitas
Discovery Communications
Disney/ABC Television Group
Edelman
Emmis Communications (Hot 97 FM, 98.7 KISS-FM and WRXP 101.9 FM)
ESPN
Fox Networks Group
Hachette Book Group
Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network
HBO
Hearst Magazines
Lifetime Networks
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
MTV Networks
NBC Universal
The New York Times Company
The Newschannels of Time Warner Cable
PBS (Public Broadcasting Service)
Rainbow Media Holdings
Savoy Professional
Scripps Networks
Time Warner Cable
Transit News Magazine
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
TuTV
World Wrestling Entertainment INC

“The NAMIC Diversity in CommunicationS Career Expo is only as good as our exhibitors who are demonstrating their commitment to Diversity by lending time and resources to participate in the Expo," said Danny McGlone, VP of Fund Development for NAMIC. “And, it’s a win-win event for everybody involved, and we will continue to make this happen.” According to records, over 750 candidates participated in the expo.

Signing off…You’ve been around town with Fred Brown and NAMIC!

2008 NAMIC Conference Blog

“Around Town With Fred Brown”
9.15.08

Hot Topics: The State of the Pipeline

NAMIC DIVERSITY TOWN HALL ROCKS!

Looks like CNN Anchor Tony Harris did his thing again this year, as the moderator/host of the opening Diversity Town Hall Meeting. And, much like the one’s you see during the Presidential Debates, the meeting was interactive, sometimes heated, and mostly informational. With a star-studded panel of the leading cable industry heads, “diversity within” was the hot topic, and the pipeline is only as good as those committed to multi-cultural representation on all employment levels.

NAMIC President Kathy Johnson got the ball rolling: “Our job is to open up the pipeline to diversity. And, accountability is the true measure of our success or failure in the industry. The results speak for themselves,” stated Johnson. Johnson’s comments led into an introduction of Luke Visconti, Co-Founder & Partner of DiversityInc, who presented the results of NAMIC’s survey reflecting findings around corporate diversity initiatives and employment trends in the Cable and Telecommunications industry, from 2006-08. Details of the report are available through NAMIC, but the final analysis is flat growth rates across the board.

Visconti offered this explanation: “We did not see any real progress in the cable industry, but based on the meetings I take in other industries, yours is better than most. But you’ve got to stay on top of that, and the key is the CEO commitment. Just look at the financial industry…who is going to survive and who’s not? Blacks and Latinos were hit hardest by the mortgage crisis. The same is true in the cable industry. But it all boils down to the CEO commitment – that sets the pace.” You’re right on Luke – top down is where it begins!

Next, Tony Harris took back the mic and got the packed ballroom audience involved. In a survey, ala game show, American Idol style, Tony asked questions, and we weighed in with our votes using an electronic gadget that tallied immediate results. Here’s what the audience demographic looked like:

76% percent said race was the focus of diversity initiatives at their companies; 16% said gender.
51% of the audience defined themselves as Black; 24% Caucasian; 13% Hispanic; 5% Asian; and 7% Other.
The audience was 67% female; 95% hetro-sexual; 5% disabled.

And, the panelists had plenty to say about initiatives at their own companies. Special thanks to all panelists for their participation this morning: David Cohen, Debra Lee, John Lansing, Robert Marcus, Kyle McSlarrow, Abbe Raven, Johnathan Rodgers; and David Zaslav.

A CONVERSATION WITH SOLEDAD!

The luncheon was overflow to hear the one and only Miss CNN, who recently won awards and posted highest prime-time ratings for her series “Black in America”. Set in living-room style, Ms. O’Brien was accompanied by her colleague Lola Ogunnaike, Pop Culture correspondent for CNN’s American Morning. Punchy, funny, direct and in-your-face, like the personality we know and love on-air, Soledad expressed pride in the series, an 18-month project she described as “a labor of love.”

Soledad waxed philosophical. She talked about how this project reflects a lot of hard work on a lot of people’s part. It was her primary focus for this series to be right, and accurate. And, according to Soledad, the feedback was tremendous – positive and not so positive. Soledad said, “I mean… my Mom called me after watching and said…’Oh, you can’t do a show about Afro-Cubans?’ But the important thing is that we made it – and people are dialoging, and good stories were told.”

Soledad went on to say they wanted to present the facts that captured a range of nuances in the Black experience, and that she feels good about the series in that they accomplished that. “We shared our stories with the rest of the world, from our lens.” You go Soledad!

TAKE A BOW!

NAMIC’s Excellence in Multi-Cultural Marketing Awards (EMMAs) was last, but not least for the day. And guess who came to dinner? Remember American Idol heart-throb Jared Cotter, who wowed the crowd, and the girls, but was cut by Simon, Paula and Randy? Well, he bounced back quick, as the host of “You Rock, Let’s Roll” and “#1 Countdown” for Fuse television. Jared was on hand for this session to pass out the awards. Ok, ok, he looks even better in person. And yes, he has a great personality. And yes, he rocked a great designer vest I wanted to grab. The right choice for the right occasion where NAMIC’s Multi-cultural Marketing Committee honored the cable industry’s top performers for their creative brilliance.

“The EMMA Awards is always a special moment at the conference – it’s our Emmy’s, and we are excited about this year’s winners, and having Fuse television host Jared Cotter to help make the afternoon fun. We congratulate you all,” said Daphne Leroy, VP of Marketing Communications. Awards were followed by a panel of industry experts who discussed challenges and successes with reaching multi-ethnic audiences in the digital world. Thanks to EMMA sponsors ESPN Deportes and CableFAX.

That’s it for today…action packed for sure, with receptions galor to close. See you for the final day of the NAMIC 2008 conference. So far, it’s sizzling!

“Around Town With Fred Brown”

2008 NAMIC Conference Blog

"Around Town with Fred Brown"
9.14.08

Hot Topic: The Power of “Difference – Know Your Value”

The opening day of the conference was a day to remember, and if you missed it, then you missed it. The afternoon began with a report from NAMIC President Kathy Johnson, who painted a diversity forecast, and provided an overview of the key initiatives regarding NAMIC’s role in fostering corporate diversity and inclusion. The 2008 NAMIC Employment Survey results will be revealed at the Diversity Town Hall Meeting on Monday.





Kathy went on to outline up-coming NAMIC events for 2009, and thanked all of the corporate sponsors who help make the conference happen and on-going NAMIC events year-long. “We absolutely could not do without our corporate sponsors. NAMIC continues its mission because of companies that truly reflect their commitment diversity, in word and deed,” commented Kathy.

Daphne Leroy, NAMIC’s VP of Marketing and Communications announced the winners of the “Discover Africa Sweepstakes,” which generated 300 entries and resulted in a 28% increase in 2008 membership. Mark Walton, EVP of Sponsorship and Corporate Development, presented an interesting overview of The Africa Channel, and introduced Rumit Mehta, Director of Business Development for Safari Ventures, who donated the all-expense paid trip prize. “I’d like to thank Mark and Daphne for bringing this project to us. We’ve been looking for ways to reach an audience that would be interested in promoting a positive picture of Africa, and with NAMIC, I think we found it. We are happy to be a part of this conference.”






Next, Jim Jones, NAMIC’s VP of Education Programs, announced the winners of the “DiversityLive” Diversity & Technology Competition! Congrats to 1st Place Winner Courtney Lidell with NAMIC-New York! Special thanks to Motorola for their support.




Now, to Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. Small in stature, this man is a tall order. As NAMIC’s keynote kick-off speaker, Brother Dyson blew the roof off of the house with his pionent, candid, straight-no-chaser speech about “difference” – translation, diversity. Dr. Dyson laid down the law, touching on corporate America, politics, and what he termed, “le difference.” The hour and a half Dr. Dyson spent with the 200 audience participants is way too much to record in this blog. But here are some of the “Dysonian Nuggets” that emerged from this conversation:




“The French are ahead in terms of articulating “le differance.”

“We need to think about ways to make strategic advantages for those who have traditionally been disadvantaged.”

“We are wonderfully diverse and profoundly complex.”

“Although human beings rebel against labels, we need to be able to show the value of our difference in corporate America.”

“We have created an industry of response which we now define as corporate diversity – a kinte cloth of corporate identity.”

“This is both an exciting time and a scary time to be alive.”

“We are the Czars of diversity within our own companies.”

“We are solders…some working inside the ranks, and others on the outside, but we are all solders.”

“The constrictions that are placed upon us are also teaching opportunities if we choose to see them that way.”

“There is a certain virtue in what you do to help people understand the importance of who you are to the world.”

“How do we help use our diversity as the basis of inspiration?”

“We need to tell our stories of diversity that bring out the gritty – in a palatable way.”

“You have to become comfortable with yourself by getting in touch with the personal sense of ease in knowing the struggle you represent.”

“Your ancestors are counting on you.”

“We must become more intimate and familiar with our own people.”

“You have to be in touch with the broad swirl of information about difference that goes on each day.”
“You have to present added-value, even with the folks in charge who may not understand.”

“Helping people understand diversity is what you’re there for – it’s your extra-curricular activity.”

“We have to get in the fight…put our hats in the ring…and get involved in the cause.”

“Stop for a moment and imagine inhabiting the space of another person.”





Got an opinion about Dr. Dyson’s words of wisdom? Then post them – we need to hear from you!

Oh, and a special thanks to Danny McGlone, NAMIC’s VP of Fund Development and Sandra Girado, NAMIC’s Event and Meetings Manager for coordinating the post-reception. The setting, food and drink were so lovely, like being on a cruise! And we’ll be cruising onto day-2 of the 2008 NAMIC Conference.

See ya around town!

“Around Town with Fred Brown”

2008 NAMIC Conference Blog

“Around Town with Fred Brown”
9.14.08

THE BEST CONFERENCE EVER!

Ok you NAMIC conference bloggers. Just seconds remaining on the official countdown before The 22nd Annual NAMIC Conference is on, and this blog is your pipeline to diversity! I’m Fred Brown, your official conference blog reporter, and I’ll be running around, behind-the-scenes at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, as we launch the best conference ever!

So don’t be shy – EMBRACE DIVERSITY…EMBRACE SUCCESS!

“We’re so excited about the conference and our theme this year,” said Kathy Johnson, President of NAMIC. “It’s hard to believe that 28 years have passed since the organization has been on the front-lines of diversity in our industry. And while many of the faces have changed, which is a good thing, many of the issues have not. There’s still a lot of work ahead to ensure multi-ethnic representation is at the forefront of the media and telecommunications industry, and hopefully, the three-day conference we’ve assembled will assist in this on-going important dialogue.”

You go Kathy. And speaking of dialogue, this is your forum - an immediate way for you to post your comments, observations and opinions about the NAMIC conference. So be sure to check in hourly for the events I will cover, and to hear what your colleagues have to say.

And speaking of the conference, check out the run-down. It’s stacked with who’s-who in our industry with tons of valuable content. Some first-day highlights in the opening session: “National Membership Meeting”, with special guest speakers Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Georgetown University professor/author; and Dr. Addie Perkins Williamson, President & CEO, Perkins Williamson Associates, Inc. They have plenty to say about the state of the economy, the impact of the Presidential Election on our industry, and how these events affect your career and everyday work-life experiences. You’ll also have the chance for “interactive dialogue” where you can offer your voice on how NAMIC can continue to thrive and you can win, in these exciting and challenging times.

Oh, and don’t forget about the launch of “DiversityLive”, NAMIC's new video-streaming initiative sponsored by Motorola. As part of NAMIC’s first-ever “Diversity & Technology Competition,” your User Generated Content (UGC) has been posted, viewed and voted on, and some folks from the local chapter entries are going to win prizes, courtesy of Motorola!

“DiversityLive" is an idea whose time has come, and we are extremely pleased with the success of our first year effort,” comments Jim Jones, VP of Education Programs at NAMIC. “And with Motorola on board, this opportunity was made available and accessible to members through technology.” Winners will be announced today at the conference.

Africa anyone? Well thanks to the generous donation of The Africa Channel, a NAMIC member won a 10-day, trip for two, with travel and accommodations provided to South Africa – which has a rich cultural history, gorgeous beaches, and a lion-country Safari to die for! (Not like the Bronx Zoo guys. We’re talking real wild animals that come up to your jeep. Bring snacks!). And let’s not forget the music, beautiful people, the food and Nelson Mandela. Who could ask for anything more?

“This Discover Africa Sweepstakes with the Africa Channel is one clear example of how to cross-promote our brand with media partners. We are grateful for the partnership,” said Daphne Leroy, NAMIC’s VP of Marketing and Communications. “It’s an excellent way for NAMIC to grow its membership base and offer our members a trip of a lifetime.”

And who’s paying for the NAMIC Conference? Your membership support and conference fees are extremely important, as well as corporate sponsorships - key to footing the bill. “We’d like to thank all of our corporate sponsors and the efforts of our honorary conference co-chairs and the entire planning committee, for helping to pull off yet another amazing event. This is what NAMIC is about…working together,” said Danny McGlone, NAMIC’s VP of Fund Development.

Honorary Co-Chairs

Neil SmitPresident & CEO, Charter Communications

David ZaslavPresident & CEO, Discovery Communications

Ok…that’s it for now. Look forward to seeing everyone at the conference! And get your NAMIC conference “face on”, because I’ll be taking lots of candid photos throughout!
See you around!

“Around Town with Fred Brown”

Keep a look out for our new 2008 blog!