VIACOMCBS NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL (VCNI) LAUNCHES COMPANY-WIDE “NO DIVERSITY, NO COMMISSION” POLICY

VCNI COMMITS TO INCREASING DIVERSE REPRESENTATION ON AND OFF-SCREEN

October 13, 2020 – New York, London: ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a division of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC), today announced a company-wide production policy: “No Diversity, No Commission” to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by requiring that all new international productions be made by a diverse team.

The policy will apply to VCNI’s business across five continents and more than 180 countries. “No Diversity, No Commission,” was initially launched by ViacomCBS Networks UK in July and will require production companies to adhere to diversity guidelines before budgets are signed off and productions are approved to begin. When budgets are agreed, the commissioner or project lead will check for appropriate diversity and recommend improvements, as needed. Additionally, the policy will increase representation behind the camera to ensure that a variety of balanced, diverse voices are involved in all areas of production.

“Expanding ‘No Diversity, No Commission’ to our entire international organization is an important strategic move for VCNI,” said David Lynn, CEO and President VCNI. “ViacomCBS Networks International creates and distributes content to audiences all over the world. This approach will ensure that we are both reflecting our audience, as well as elevating new diverse creative voices. Change requires thorough research, careful planning, and immense care, and we’re looking forward to creating impactful, sustainable change through the power of our networks, partnerships, platforms and brands.”

By putting transparency and accountability at  the  heart  of  the  international  inclusion  strategy, VCNI is spearheading a values-driven approach that will embed diversity, equity and inclusion into every aspect of the company’s operations. VCNI has also committed to the following initiatives to increase authentic on-screen representation and inclusive storytelling:

• Global Content, Diverse Voices: The company will identify global, scripted content that elevates underrepresented cultures, across both Youth & Entertainment and Kids & Family
• Elevating Diverse Creators: In Latin America, 25 percent of ViacomCBS International Studios’ budget will be allocated to the education and development of projects by BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) And VCNI’s Europe, Middle East, Africa and

Asian division has also committed to dedicating 30% of its budget in 2021 produce stories focused on or related to underrepresented groups and issues.

“Audiences around the world, particularly younger generations and kids, are becoming more and more diverse in composition, outlook and perspectives, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that our content reflects the world in which our audiences live,” said Jules Borkent, Executive Vice President, VCNI Kids & Family, “Our research tells us very clearly, that kids want to see themselves reflected on-screen. By launching ‘No Diversity, No Commission’ across our international brands, we are able to ensure that the shows and characters we create continue to reflect kids today and tomorrow.”

“Diversity, inclusion and equity need to be at the heart of everything we do within our brands and our business,” said Kerry Taylor, Executive Vice President, VCNI Youth & Entertainment “We are committed to doing better, to making progress in this area, and using our platforms to shine a light on the talent, voices and stories that need to be seen and heard. No diversity, no commission is an important step in our journey.”

The international launch of this policy and the company’s upcoming initiatives align with the work and commitment of the wider global organization following ViacomCBS’ Global Inclusion Week that included over 100 virtual sessions featuring talent, thought-leaders, diversity, equity and inclusion experts, creators and executives focused on promoting, diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging.

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ViacomCBS Networks International

ViacomCBS Networks International, a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC), comprises many of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands, including Network 10, Channel 5, Telefe, Viacom 18, ViacomCBS International Studios, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Network and Pluto TV. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS Networks International provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents and across more than 180 countries.

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This post was written by ViacomCBS