T Howard Sets New Diversity Recruitment Initiative

The T. Howard Foundation will look to increase hiring of minorities within the cable industry through a new diversity recruitment initiative, the organization announced.

The Diversity Advancement Program will serve as a recruitment service for industry human resources representatives searching for minority professionals to fill entry-to mid-level roles, said T Howard. As part of the pilot program T Howard will work with recruiters to source, identify and submit qualified candidates for full-time positions within cable and telecommunication companies.

In addition, T Howard said its career development specialists will assist, advise and provide feedback to multi-ethnic candidates and recruiters throughout the interview process.

T. Howard is currently working with AMC Networks and Time Warner Cable to identify minority candidates for positions in those companies, with a full program launch slated for Spring 2014.

T Howard president and CEO Jo Pamphile said the launch of the program comes at a time when minority hiring and advancement in cable has slowed. She pointed to the recent joint National Association for Multi- Ethnicity in Communications and Women in Cable Telecommunications diversity employment survey, which showed the industry needs to remain committed to hiring and promoting people of color and women at all levels.

“In light of the findings of the recent industry diversity survey, the Foundation is even more committed to continue working in partnership with media companies and organizations to improve outcomes for minority candidates eager to gain employment and move up in the industry,” Pamphile said.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.