After being in the spotlight for a number of race-related issues within the last few weeks, it’s clear that ESPN has some self-reflecting to do.
As BSM previously reported, a conversation was recorded last year and only recently released to the public, between ESPN NBA reporter Rachel Nichols and LeBron James’ advisor Adam Mendelsohn. During the conversation, Nichols accused ESPN of making Maria Taylor the NBA Countdown host because of diversity pressure last year.
Earlier this week, Stephen A. Smith made comments on First Take about MLB All-Star Shohei Ohtani’s need to use a translator during interviews, questioning his marketability.
In the wake of these events, Variety reports that ESPN plans to take a closer look at its issues of diversity and inclusion, going as far as examining the exit interviews of employees who have recently left the network.
“Change takes time, and I ask for your partnership on this journey,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a memo circulated to employees last week. “Know that our leadership is committed to accelerating our efforts and working toward a collective goal — an ESPN where everyone feels they belong.”
Pitaro also noted that executives at ESPN plan to address issues around diversity and inclusion at a company-wide town hall later in the month.
“We will continue to have focused conversations with the Black and African American community at ESPN in the coming weeks,” said Pitaro. “As always, we value an open and honest dialogue.”
Variety also reports that in an effort to address these concerns, the network has already created programs aimed at examining inclusion at the company and calling on employees to join groups devoted to diversity and mentoring.
According to Pitaro and Variety, “the company was ‘seeing progress’ in terms of hiring employees from a greater range of backgrounds, noting that out of 116 staffers hired in 2021, 52% were people of color and 42% were female. Pitaro also noted that 63% of ESPN’s executive team was female and/or a person of color.”
While the memo largely focused on ESPN’s culture, Pitaro did weigh in specifically on the controversy surrounding Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor.
“I do want to be clear on one thing: Maria Taylor was selected as ‘NBA Countdown’ host last year because she earned it. Please know our commitment is that assignments and opportunities at ESPN are based on merit and any concerns, remarks, or inferences that suggest otherwise have been and will continue to be addressed.”
