Diversity Policy

I am writing to clarify statements from a representative of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (“Union Files Complaint for CBS’ Diversity Data,” by Greg Braxton, Aug. 8). In the article, an AFTRA representative is quoted making statements that could be incorrectly interpreted to suggest that CBS Television President Leslie Moonves has not been sincere in his commitment to diversity in television. AFTRA doesn’t believe this to be true and we regret any implication to that effect.

Unfortunately, however, a network president’s leadership does not always filter down to all of the company’s divisions. That is precisely the case in the dispute at KCBS-TV, where CBS network representatives have stonewalled AFTRA’s attempts to obtain legitimate and necessary EEO information (additional information was provided after the article, which AFTRA is reviewing). Based upon our experience with CBS in this matter and others, AFTRA believes that Mr. Moonves has a responsibility to bring CBS’ practices into full accord with his publicly stated philosophies.

AFTRA hopes to work directly with Mr. Moonves to facilitate a resolution of the dispute at KCBS-TV and further looks forward to working with him to advance larger, more far-reaching initiatives to bring true diversity to network television.

GREG HESSINGER

National Executive Director,

American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, New York