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Should the Emmis workforce reflect our diverse audiences? Of course, but it’s not enough to sit around a table and say we want diversity; we have to put our money where out mouth is, we have to have a plan.
The diversity plan at Emmis includes recruiting, internships and the workshops. And this year marked the launch of another piece of our puzzle, the Diversity Fellowship Program, designed to attract and develop talented college graduates. “One goal of our diversity program is to develop future leaders — to develop our bench strength — and the fellowships will help get us there,” said Kelli Lester-Brown, Emmis staffing and diversity manager.
Fellows get an overview on the workings of their entity and are matched with a mentor to help them work toward their career goals. Fellowships last 18 months to two years, and the goal of the program is to place participants in permanent position within Emmis after the fellow successfully completes the program.
The program sponsors one such employee per division, and entities must apply to participate.
The publishing division’s fellow, Chandra Thomas, is already making her mark on Atlanta Magazine. As assistant editor, she’s learning the process of producing a magazine while reporting, writing and contributing to planning sessions. “I am especially happy to know that my ideas and suggestions have been embraced by my editor [Rebecca Burns] and the rest of the staff,” says Thomas, who has sought out opportunities to represent the magazine at schools, other media outlets and professional associations.
“This has been a truly phenomenal experience,” says Mic King of working in programming and production at L.A.’s Power 106. So far, King has helped the Power crew produce commercials, write spots and gather new music, and he says working at the station has taught him that the Emmis culture is about pulling together as a team. “It’s not about how this person help can me; it’s how I can help this person stay ahead in their job — how I can help this company stay ahead of the competition.”
Christine Chin is the latest diversity fellow to join Emmis, and she brings a strong TV production background to Omaha’s KMTV. Chin’s ultimate goal is to be a news anchor, a career that fits her lifelong thirst for knowledge and news. “I won’t stop till I get there, even if there are hardships and stumbling blocks along the way,” she says. “Broadcast journalism is so vital in educating and informing the public.”
For more information on the Emmis Diversity Fellowship Program, contact the Emmis Staffing Department at StaffingDepartment@emmis.com.
To be considered for the program, applicants must:
- Received a bachelor’s degree at a 4-year accredited college or university.
- Achieved a minimum 3.0 accumulative Grade Point Average, based on a 4.0 scale used by their particular school. (4.5 GPA required for schools on 6.0 scales).
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one letter from a Department Head or professor within your academic discipline).
- Ability to meet an 18-month to 2-year program commitment, as well as a willingness to relocate and/or travel.
- Must submit a resume and cover letter.
- Each participant selected for the program must sign an employment contract committing to an 18 month to 2 year term.
- Participate in a monthly evaluation/check-in process conducted the Emmis Corporate Human Resources Department.
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