“WICT on the Hill” a Tremendous Success!
A panel of eight distinguished women leaders in the cable industry provided Capitol Hill with their insight and recent achievements in improving workforce issues for women on July 31, 2008. These top executive women were from companies who earned a coveted spot on the WICT PAR Initiative “Best Companies for Women in Cable”.
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Pictured from left to right: Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, Chair, Congressional Entertainment Caucus; Joan Gillman, Time Warner Cable; Kathleen Finch, DIY Network/Scripps Networks; Jennifer Dangar, Discovery Communications; Grace Killelea, Comcast; Kelly Regal, Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc.; Jill Campbell, Cox Communications; Nomi Bergman, Bright House Networks |
Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, Chair of the Congressional Entertainment Industries Caucus, began with opening remarks that congratulated the WICT PAR Initiative for becoming a roadmap for identifying and tracking inequality for women employees in three key areas: Pay Equity, Advancement Opportunities and Resources for Work/Life Support.
Congresswoman Watson went on to tell how Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, remarked to all 56 women members of Congress that they should “Feel the Power!” Congresswoman Watson urged audience members to do the same at their own companies and in life.
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Pictured: Back row- Joan Gillman, Time Warner Cable; Kelly Regal, Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc.; Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, WICT; Jill Campbell, Cox Communications; Dorinda White, Congresswoman Diane E. Watson's office; Brooke Johnson, Food Network/Scripps Networks
Front row- Kathleen Finch, DIY Network/Scripps Networks; Grace Killelea, Comcast; Jennifer Dangar, Discovery Communications; Nomi Bergman; Bright House Networks |
Panelists for the lunch briefing included: Nomi Bergman, President, Bright House Networks; Jill Campbell, Senior Vice President, Operations, Cox Communications, Inc.; Jennifer Dangar, Senior Vice Presidents, Domestic Distribution, Discovery Networks; Kathleen Finch, General Manager, DIY Network, Scripps Networks; Joan Gillman, President, Media Sales, Time Warner Cable; Brooke Johnson, President, Food Network, Scripps Networks; Grace Killelea, Vice President, Talent & Leadership Initiatives, Comcast; Kelly Regal, Executive Vice President, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
The eight panelists each spoke on the buying power that women have, with over 85% of all consumer purchasing being controlled or influenced by women. They discussed how their companies understand this fact and have made changes to connect with this key demographic.
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Attendees at the WICT on the Hill event |
Several panelists gave specific best practice examples on how they are working harder to retain and attract mid-level women in the cable industry. They expressed concern that this reflects a worrisome stagnation with women not moving up to senior positions and many opting to leave the industry altogether.
The panel wrapped up the briefing with an amazing discussion on how their companies have begun to provide resources for work/life support to all of their employees—not only mid to top level executives. These programs help employees perform to their full potential and create a balance between the two demands.
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Attendees at the WICT on the Hill event |
With over 125 attendees, including WICT members, members of Congress and their staff and other association members, the lunch briefing was an amazing success. WICT hopes to make this an annual event improving upon it each year.
Click here to download The WICT Management Guide for an Equitable Workplace
Click here to download the 2007 PAR Initiative Executive Report