CBS News Unveils Diversity Initiatives

CBS News is implementing an array of initiatives to further promote diversity and excellence in journalism. Among the workplace programs CBS is putting into effect in 2011 are a new paid internship program, a professional development program and a discretionary award to be used by the president of CBS News to recognize truly outstanding contributions by News Division employees who promote excellence and diversity at CBS News.

CBS News is also establishing the Harold Dow Professorship at the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication at Florida A&M University, which CBS said was the first historically black university to have an accredited journalism program. The professorship is designed to enhance presentation skills for students interested in on-air positions in broadcast television and will begin in the 2011-12 academic year.

“Through these initiatives in our workplace and with the aspiring young journalists at the distinguished Florida A&M journalism program, CBS News is expanding its longstanding commitment to diversity, to industry excellence and to nurturing future generations of journalists,” said Sean McManus, president CBS News and Sports. “We also are extremely pleased that we are able to memorialize our colleague and dear friend, broadcasting legend Harold Dow, in this significant way.”

In addition to the President’s Award, CBS News’ new initiatives, which will be implemented beginning in 2011, include:

• Internship — Each year, CBS News will bring seven summer interns of diverse backgrounds to New York, all expenses paid.
• Employment — CBS News will create a professional development program that identifies two news producers of diverse backgrounds in the early stages of their careers at CBS stations and pay half of their salary each year.  
• Education — CBS is establishing the Harold Dow Professorship at the School of Journalism at Florida A&M University. The professorship is named in honor of the late, award-winning 48 Hours correspondent who died suddenly in August 2010.

“We are profoundly appreciative to have the CBS Harold Dow Professorship, which will immediately enhance the education of students committed to a career in broadcast journalism,” said Dr. James Hawkins, dean of the Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. “This professorship speaks volumes about CBS’s regard for journalism education and appreciation for Harold Dow, a gifted journalist whose work was nothing short of outstanding. It is our goal to produce journalists who will commit to the trusted standards of CBS and Harold Dow.”