The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is gearing up for the inaugural meeting of its newly rechartered advisory council on diversity issues, the Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC), set for next Wednesday, March 27. The council, under the leadership of FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, was re-establid in June 2021 with a refred mandate and expanded focus. It now aims to foster equity in digital communication services and products for all Americans, emphasizing non-discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability.
Sherman Kizart, founder and Managing Director of Kizart Media Partners (KMP), has been appointed as a member of the CEDC. Kizart is renowned for his expertise in urban sales and marketing and has been a pivotal figure in advising various advocacy groups within the U.S. His firm, KMP, annually hosts the Power of Urban Radio Forum in collaboration with the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters in Washington, DC. Kizart’s previous role was as Senior VP and Director of Urban Sales at Interep, highlighting his deep roots and significant contributions to the radio industry.
The CEDC’s broader objective includes advancing media ownership diversity, enhancing access to capital for small businesses, including those owned by women and minorities, and supporting upskilling for employment in the media and technology sectors. The council also focuses on providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop policy recommendations to the FCC, particularly in areas like small business mentoring, media ownership diversity, and procurement opportunities.
Heather Gate, Executive VP of Digital Inclusion at Connected Nation, will continue her role as Chair of the CEDC. Nicol Turner Lee, Ph.D., a Senior Fellow and Director at the Brookings Institution’s Center for Technology Innovation – Governance Studies, and Susan Au Allen, National President & CEO of the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, will resume their positions as Vice Chairs. Jamila Bess Johnson will maintain her role as the Diversity Council’s liaison with the FCC.
The upcoming meeting on March 27 will serve as a platform to introduce the CEDC members, establish working groups to aid in the council’s objectives, and offer guidance from the Commission’s Offices of General Counsel and Managing Director on best practices for federal advisory committees. This initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring equitable access and representation across the media and technology landscape, with the FCC at the helm guiding this transformation.