Thesis
MOU: NBC Universal, Comcast and the African American leadership organization
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Feb 2013
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-4262
Abstract
To accompany the recent merger of the Comcast Corporation with NBC Universal (Comcast / NBC), a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was enacted between Comcast/NBC and the African American Leadership Organization (AALO). The MOU, finalized on January 18, 2011 and referenced as Appendix in this research paper, proposed to strengthen the presence of African Americans within the newly formed organization and facilitate this objective through governing councils appointed by the AALO through four diversity advisory councils. These councils have, since their initial meeting, formed five focus points to address if the memorandum of understanding is to be successful.1 The five focus points are Corporate Governance: External Diversity Advisory Councils, Employment/Workforce Recruitment and Retention, Procurement, Programming, and Philanthropy and Community Investment. Further analysis of past television programming reveals a seemingly marked history of negative and derogatory images for the memorandum to combat that many believe has prevailed throughout the years in the form of entertaining programming for television viewers. There may be networks that currently prescribe to this type of programming that many within the African American community find offensive amid an otherwise increasingly varied channel line-up. Possible reasons for a memorandum of understanding are provided herein and the subsequent outcomes to successful utilizations of a memorandum in the television industry are also presented.2 "News, movies, cop dramas, and crime documentaries often contain many racial stereotypes that continue to perpetuate racial myths and stereotypes in our society. For example, the black male and oftentimes, the Hispanic male, are constantly betrayed as violent, angry and hostile, criminally minded, lazy, lacking intelligence, and engaging in illegal activity, mainly drug dealing or robbery."3Thus, in prompting concern for its unique audience, the MOU between NBC/Comcast and the AALO carries out a detailed method of procedures for other organizations to emulate when seeking similar objectives for equality such as increasing their presence in the current programming and television management of today's emerging television industry.
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Details
- Title
- MOU
- Creators
- Kimberly M. Davis - DU
- Contributors
- Albert S. Tedesco (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Television (and Media) Management; Cinema and Television; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 4262; 991014632706704721