"It is imperative that we reflect the diversity of our fans and customers. Doing so by tapping the skills, ideas and perspectives of a diverse workforce will make us a better company and sustain our growth. It is very important for ESPN to enhance its efforts and establish a leadership position in this area. We will work to do so with the adoption and implementation of a diversity strategy … We are all responsible for the success of this effort and as we capture the vast array of thoughts, backgrounds and experiences of our fans through our workforce, the quality of our work will clearly be enhanced."

George Bodenheimer, President ESPN/ABC Sports
Memo to employees outlining ESPN's Company Priorities, May 5, 2003

ESPN's Diversity Mission:
ESPN will embrace diversity to better serve our fans and customers. We strive to attract, retain, and develop talented and diverse people, and to create an inclusive environment where all employees can contribute to their fullest potential. In a changing world in which we endeavor to grow our business, it is imperative that ESPN's workforce reflects the diversity of cultures, thinking and perspectives of its current and prospective fans and customers. Tapping the skills, ideas and perspectives of a diverse workforce will make us a better and more profitable company, and is key to sustaining our continued growth.



ESPN'S Integrated Diversity Strategy:
Whether you are a manager of people or an individual contributor, your career at ESPN will challenge you to Embrace Diversity to Better Serve Our Fans. Our Diversity Strategy encompasses six key components, designed to create an inclusive workplace and maximize the benefits of diversity.

1. Diversity Leadership
Diversity is a shared responsibility; however, success in achieving diversity results is dependent on senior leadership. Therefore, the senior leadership at ESPN is responsible for driving diversity within their areas of responsibility. Senior leaders take an active lead in diversity by:

Being advocates of diversity

Ensuring efforts are made to diversify the workforce at all levels

Ensuring fair, equitable, and inclusive practices

Communicating the importance of diversity throughout their organization

Setting objectives and holding themselves and their teams accountable for achieving results

2. Recruitment
A key component for expanding the diverse makeup of our organization is through recruiting. How we approach attracting, selecting and hiring new employees, the sources we use, and how broadly we "cast our net" are factors that the Human Resource team in conjunction with Hiring Managers are charged with aligning to our strategy.

3. ESPN Relationships
Each organization participates in developing and strengthening strategic relationships between ESPN and diverse professional and industry organizations, academic institutions, suppliers, and community organizations.

4. Work/Life Effectiveness
ESPN is a 24/7 operation. Therefore, as a company, we face unique challenges around work/life effectiveness. We continue to work on ways to improve in this area for our employees. Efforts to support work/life include our on-site heath and fitness center, our continual expansion on health and fitness offerings, back up child care options, and flexible work arrangements. As the requirements for each department differ, each manager is responsible for working with employees to select creative solutions to address work/life issues, and supporting work/life initiatives that will work in their area of responsibility.

5. Culture Development
Managers and employees are responsible for doing their part to create a diversity-supportive environment. Human Resources provides on-going diversity skills and awareness training and educational programs for all employees. Managers encourage participation from their teams and set the example by striving to develop their own cultural competency.

6. Employee Development
Human Resources continues to expand and create inclusive opportunities for leadership/ professional development for all employees. Managers are responsible for identifying, mentoring and grooming a diverse group of future leaders.