Press Release
CBS COMMITS 25% OF SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT BUDGET TO PROJECTS FROM CREATORS/PRODUCERS WHO ARE BLACK, INDIGENOUS AND PEOPLE OF COLOR
The Network Sets Goal of 40% BIPOC Representation in Writers’ Rooms
Beginning with the 2021-2022 Season
As part of a broad initiative for its programming to more accurately reflect diversity both on-screen and behind-the-camera, CBS announced today that the Network will allocate a minimum of 25% of its future script development budgets to projects created or co-created by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). The development program will commence with the 2021-2022 development season.
In addition, the Network has announced a target for its writers’ rooms to be staffed with a minimum of 40% BIPOC representation beginning with the 2021-2022 broadcast television season, and a goal to increase that number to 50% the following season (2022-2023).
“While steady progress has been made in recent years both in front of and behind the camera, change needs to happen faster, especially with creators and leadership roles on the shows,” said George Cheeks, President and Chief Executive Officer for the CBS Entertainment Group. “As a network with ambitions to be a unifier and an agent of change at this important time, these new initiatives will help accelerate efforts to broaden our storytelling and make CBS programming even more diverse and inclusive.”
In addition, the Network has committed to additional BIPOC writers on select CBS series for the upcoming 2020-2021 broadcast season.
The Network Sets Goal of 40% BIPOC Representation in Writers’ Rooms
Beginning with the 2021-2022 Season
As part of a broad initiative for its programming to more accurately reflect diversity both on-screen and behind-the-camera, CBS announced today that the Network will allocate a minimum of 25% of its future script development budgets to projects created or co-created by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). The development program will commence with the 2021-2022 development season.
In addition, the Network has announced a target for its writers’ rooms to be staffed with a minimum of 40% BIPOC representation beginning with the 2021-2022 broadcast television season, and a goal to increase that number to 50% the following season (2022-2023).
“While steady progress has been made in recent years both in front of and behind the camera, change needs to happen faster, especially with creators and leadership roles on the shows,” said George Cheeks, President and Chief Executive Officer for the CBS Entertainment Group. “As a network with ambitions to be a unifier and an agent of change at this important time, these new initiatives will help accelerate efforts to broaden our storytelling and make CBS programming even more diverse and inclusive.”
In addition, the Network has committed to additional BIPOC writers on select CBS series for the upcoming 2020-2021 broadcast season.
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