Monday, September 20, 2010

LET ME BE CLEAR! NAMIC DOES IT AGAIN...AND AGAIN...AND AGAIN…by Fred Brown

BE ORIGINAL - WE ARE WHO WE ARE!
CNN anchor Don Lemon definitely got the ball rolling at Wednesday’s General Session, as the moderator of the panel called: "The New Original." Gathered in the Grand Ballroom, another packed house witnessed meaningful dialog and exclusive video clips from the top info-content providers we all know and love: BET, CNN Worldwide and MTV/Nickelodeon Network all represented.The central theme centers around producing content for a diverse consumer audience. What does that look like? What images accurately reflect the authenticity of a particular community or ethnic group? How does programming convey cultural sensitivities like language, lifestyle and values? The panel of executives included Loretha Jones, President of Original Programming for BET Networks; Geraldine Moriba, Executive Producer, “In America” production unit, CNN Worldwide; and Ligiah Villalobos, Producer/Writer of the children’s series, "Go Diego Go." Quoting Oprah Winfrey, Villalobos summed it all up by saying: "The best defense against racism is excellence." That, my friends, says it all.

PASSING THE BATON
After completing his two-year term, NAMIC’s Board Chair, Mark Garner of A&E Television Networks will step down to assume the role of Immediate Past Chair, this fall. As part of that transition, NAMIC’s incoming Board Chair, Raymond Gutierrez of CBS Television Networks will begin his term. The torch will be passed, and judging from Garner's excellent track record and legacy as the son of Nathan Garner, one of NAMIC’s founders, Gutierrez has a big role and some huge shoes to fill. Welcome Raymond and all the best to Mark, from your colleagues and friends at NAMIC!



IT's A Wrap!
We got digi-for sure. And lovely weather in Gotham city complimented the 24th Annual conference in a big way. I noticed a lot of happy faces, despite the fact that many folks in the industry are newly unemployed. NAMIC's conference is not only informative, but also reinvigorating and inspiring. All the lessons learned, all the case studies shared, and all of our hopes for the future are wrapped into a package that is now 30 years old. So if your membership needs renewal, don't let it continue to lapse. This organization is only as good as it's members, corporate sponsors and partners. NAMIC is a force to be recognized, and the best is yet to come!

Signing off in 2010….you've been around town with Fred Brown!

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