Michael Powell: Keep Diversity Pipeline Filled

The cable industry has to maintain a steady pipeline of qualified people of color to ensure increased diversity within the employment ranks of cable companies, according to National Cable and Telecommunications Association CEO Michael Powell.

Powell, speaking at the opening panel at the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) Conference, said overall the industry is outperforming most other industries when it comes to its diversity efforts. He added to remain vigilant, the industry needs to keep an eye on its diversity employment numbers and be prepared to react to any dips that may occur within those numbers, particularly among middle and upper management positions. “If you want to smooth those dips you have to groom a steady pipeline of men and women to be ready when the opportunities come,” he said.