Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at WETA

At WETA, we value the experiences and perspectives of a diverse workforce. We welcome, appreciate and respect the multiplicity of ways in which individuals identify by national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and socioeconomic stratum. We strive to treat everyone fairly and provide access to the same opportunities and advancement for all. We strive to showcase meaningful representation of our different voices and perspectives in all aspects of the work we do. We want our workplace to reflect the diversity of our community, both locally and nationally.

We recognize that we must establish goals in order to measure progress and hold WETA accountable for the future we want.

Therefore, WETA is investing in a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan. The comprehensive plan, which began in 2020, includes training for the WETA leadership team and staff; reviewing and updating recruitment and hiring policies; providing more clarity about the advancement process (in both pay and title) for employees; providing listening sessions for our employees as a safe space for sharing, reflection, support, and learning; increasing diversity in the content we air on our station channels; embracing transparency through regular reporting of our own initiatives to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization; and creating our first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEI) is made up of volunteer members of the staff. The council develops recommendations toward identifying and addressing systemic barriers, raises awareness about race/diversity/gender issues in the workplace, engages with leadership to prioritize DEI as a company value, and advises senior leaders on action steps.

WETA’s Chief People & Culture Officer leads our organizational initiatives, programs, and pathways. Our Director of DEI partners with the Director of HR to support our company-wide diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts and engage with the DEI Council.

DEI is not a trend or a project, it’s our continued, intentional commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values all contributors and provides opportunities for everyone to be heard, seen, and treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.

This is the pledge we make to ourselves, our employees, our viewers, our listeners, and our partners in the public media industry.

How Are We Doing?

At WETA, we recognize that we have work to do to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. WETA will be tracking and publishing our progress by reporting on the data below, among other factors, moving forward.