Amazon Studios Discontinues Inclusion Playbook As DEI Programs Topple Under Donald Trump
'We've said from the beginning that our efforts to ensure diverse and inclusive storytelling would be fluid and change over time. We continue to evolve this vital work in concert with our commitment to keep our global audience of viewers at the center of everything we do,' an Amazon spokesperson said. 'Above all, we strive to tell the very best stories, while empowering diverse voices in our storytelling wherever possible.'
More from Deadline
Kelly Rowland & Method Man To Lead Amazon MGM Studios' 'Relationship Goals'; Robin Thede & Annie Gonzalez Also Star
Dissent Grows At Disney Over Perceived "Capitulation" To Trump As DEI Initiatives Diminished
'The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power' Renewed For Season 3 At Amazon
A person familiar with the situation said Amazon had removed the public-facing inclusion playbook from its website in September, a move they said was reflective of Amazon's 'overall approach to inclusivity always being focused on education and ensuring opportunity – while never being grounded in any restrictions or rules.'
The studio's policy had covered four primary areas that offer actionable recommendations to continue to seek out storytelling that amplifies diverse voices throughout all aspects of the production process: Developing Stories and Characters, Hiring and Production, Reporting and Documentation, and Meeting Goals with a list of objectives.
'With the establishment of our Inclusion Policy and Inclusion Playbook, Amazon Studios has committed itself to being a thought and action leader in the transformation of our industry,' said studio head Jennifer Salke then. 'We know how much work there is to be done to improve representation both on camera and behind the scenes, and it starts at home, with us. With clear directives and a commitment to accountability, these guides provide a path toward a more equitable future, both on- and off-camera.'
One of many U.S. companies to embrace DEI after the police murder of George Floyd in 2021, Amazon published progress reports in 2022 and 2023. But companies have been rolled them back as the administration of President Donald Trump seeks to root it programs through executive orders and investigations.
PBS and NPR parent has disbanded its DEI, Disney has rolled it back and the FCC is investigating diversity initiatives at NBCUniversal parent Comcast.
Big tech companies were among the first to retreat.Amazon eliminated all mention of DEI from its latest annual report. Meta was among the first to cut such programs. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, along with Apple CEO Tim Cook and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai were prominently featured at Trump's scaled-down indoor inauguration.
Candi Castleberry, Amazon's vice president of inclusive experiences and technology, told employees in a December memo that the company was in the process of 'winding down outdated programs and materials' as part of a broader review of hundreds of initiatives, according to CNBC.
Best of Deadline
The Partnership: 'Sing Sing' Filmmakers Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley On The True Story That Changed Them Forever & Their Plan To Save Independent Film
A Full Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's 'It Ends With Us' Feud In Court, Online & In The Media
Everything We Know About 'The Night Agent' Season 3 So Far
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
2 minutes ago
- Buzz Feed
Tiffany Haddish Roasts Donald Trump Without Saying His Name
Jimmy Kimmel Live guest host Tiffany Haddish didn't mention President Donald Trump during Monday night's monologue, but she seemed to have him in mind as she jokingly announced she was running for president herself. 'I've got all the qualifications to be president,' she said, then listed three things she has in common with Trump. 'I'm rich, I've been arrested a few times, and I always say crazy shit.' She has one other important qualification as well. 'We've had an actor as president, a reality host president, but now it's time to elect a comedian,' she said. 'Finally, a president who's funny on purpose, most of the time.' Haddish delivered a campaign-style speech unveiling a platform that includes paying taxes with old gift cards. 'We're gonna run this country, this government, like a company,' the comic and actor said. 'And that company is Sizzler.' Her platform includes requiring credit scores on dating site profiles, providing pastrami at all Subway locations, and retooling delivery robots to become sex toys. Randy Holmes / Getty Images 'No more STDs, y'all,' she vowed. ABC / Via But her biggest promise was something more profound. 'My campaign is built around a very simple idea: America, mind your own damn business,' she said. 'Doesn't that sound nice?' That promise called to mind something Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said as he ran for vice president on last year's Democratic ticket. 'In Minnesota, we respect our neighbors and the personal choices that they make,' he said on the campaign trail. 'And even if we wouldn't make the same choices for ourselves, we've got a golden rule: Mind your own damn business.' Mario Tama / Getty Images
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Cat Parents on Amazon Are Calling This Super Cute UFO Laser Toy a ‘Kitty Carnival of Fun'
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission. Although some cats prefer snoozing over playing, other cats feel as though there isn't enough playtime in the day. And if your cat is one of those who could literally play until she keels over, then this adorable UFO interactive toy is going to become her new favorite. It's a feather toy, a laser toy, and a motion-activated wheel toy all in one, and it will keep your cat guessing for hours on end. More from SheKnows This Shampoo Brush From Amazon Is About To Give Your Dog the Best Bath of His Life & It's Under $9 Right Now Today's Top Deals How Do You Raise Good Kids in Terrifying Times? 'Hello, Cruel World' Author Melinda Wenner Moyer Has Ideas Think Spring! Target Just Added Tons of Gorgeous New Patio Items Target Is Having a Can't-Miss Spring Sandal Sale for Circle Members The Hooroor 2-in-1 UFO Laser Cat Toy is a hands-free interactive cat toy that automatically teases your cat with the motion-activated laser and movement function. It senses when it's nearing obstacles and redirects, so you don't have to deal with crashes and physically reroute the UFO. It also features a smart sleep and wake function, so it shuts off when it hasn't been interacted with for a few minutes. You can also remove the feather toy to play with your cat manually, and when it's time to recharge the UFO, just plug it into a USB-C charger. The toy will be fully charged within two hours. Hooroor 2-in-1 UFO Laser Cat Toy $24 Buy Now 'Endless fun for my cat (and me!),' one pet parent wrote in their review. 'I bought this laser toy on a whim, and it's honestly the best cat gadget I've ever owned. The beam is bright and crisp, even in daylight, and the adjustable patterns keep my cat from getting bored. I love that it has both manual and automatic modes—when I'm busy, I just set it up and let it run, and my cat still gets her playtime.' Another person said that it's 'a kitty carnival of fun,' adding, 'This toy is adorable; it rotates around on the floor automatically, but it does need to be on a non-carpeted area to move easily. In addition to the toy on top, the front of it has a laser, which can keep the kitties entertained while you're busy. Energetic cats will love playing with this because it provides a lot of stimulation and can get them some exercise to chase around.' And someone else said, 'When I received it, I was like hm,m not a waste of money, but maybe the cats will get tired after five minutes, so I just turned it on and left it there for my cats… I was SO WRONG; they went crazy for it and kept running after the laser! Good idea and good product.' Pick up the Hooroor UFO cat toy for your energetic cat, and she'll play until she drops! Before you go, check out our top foolproof for your fur baby: More Top Deals from SheKnows Is Walmart+ Worth It? Giada De Laurentiis' Newest Cookbook Is Packed With Italian Super Food Recipes Stanley Tumblers Now Come With New Leakproof Lids & Customers Are Raving About Them Best of SheKnows 10 Affordable Lookalikes of the Clinique Black Honey Lipstick, According to TikTok 9 Bold Black Lipsticks That Make a Statment & Are On Sale for National Lipstick Day These Shoes Made Me Believe in Comfy High Heels — & They're 50% Off Right Now
Fox News
2 hours ago
- Fox News
How to build a streaming setup that fits your home
Upgrading your streaming setup may mean replacing your outdated TV, adding a soundbar so you can actually hear what's going on or finally mounting your TV so you can see it better. No matter what your budget is, we've lined up everything you need to give your streaming setup a facelift. There are options less than $300 all the way up to $2,000. And for those who want the latest and greatest tech, no matter how much it costs, we have options for you, too. TV wall mount for 32 to 65-inch TVs: on sale for $39.97 (18% off), originally: $48.99TV stand for 55-inch TV: on sale for $78.84 (21% off), originally $99.99Amazon Fire TV Stick: on sale for $29.99 (40% off), originally $49.99 Original price: $129.99 An Insignia 32-inch Class F20 Series TV is a small but powerful option with Alexa built in. You can use the Alexa Voice Remote to search for shows, switch inputs and more. Fire TV also comes built in, which offers all your favorite streaming apps in one place. Parents can take advantage of the parental control feature that helps you block content based on program ratings, or you can block entire channels. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Original price: $119.99 Amp up the sound on your small TV with an Amazon Fire TV soundbar. It seamlessly connects with Fire TVs and other Amazon devices to deliver fuller, clearer sound. Using Dolby Audio, your shows, movies and games will sound better and more immersive. The compact design means you can easily tuck this soundbar under your TV on a stand or shelf. Roku Smart TV 2025: on sale for $139.99 (22% off), originally $179.99TV stand with sliding barn doors for TVs up to 65": on sale for $139.99 (58% off), originally $329.99No stud TV mount: $39.99Roku HD Streaming Stick: $29LED TV backlight: $34.99 Original price: $169.99 If you want a TV that's a little larger and more powerful but that still won't break the bank, a Vizio 40-inch Smart TV will do the trick. Full HD means a clear image that traditional HD TVs just don't have. The full array of LED backlights paired with Active Pixel Tuning means your shows look more realistic than ever before. Create a Vizio account on your new TV and get access to free channels and all your favorite streaming apps in one place. Original price: $159.99 Feel like you're watching TV in the theater with a Sony S100F soundbar. There aren't a dozen complicated wires involved, just connect via Bluetooth or use a single HDMI cord, and you're ready to go. The soundbar is mountable, but it's still small enough to fit on any size TV stand. You get a deep sound with a built-in Bass Reflex speaker, and you can use the voice enhancement feature when you're watching a show with hushed dialogue. TCL 55" 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV: on sale for $249.99 (24% off), originally $329.9963" farmhouse TV stand: on sale for $144.99 (17% off), originally $173.99Brittane sage green TV stand for TVs up to 78": on sale for $279.99 (16% off), originally $333.99Full motion TV wall mount for 42" to 85" TVs: on sale for $46.74 (33% off), originally $69.99Roku Streambar 4K: on sale for $96.91 (25% off), originally $129.99 The Samsung 58-inch Class Crystal Smart TV is a high-end TV packed with features that make your TV-watching experience more enjoyable. Motion Xcelerator predicts the movements between frames and smooths them out for enhanced picture clarity, while Color Booster delivers more high-contrast coloring to create a realistic viewing experience. Bose is well-known for its crystal-clear, powerhouse speakers that truly deliver, and this Bose TV speaker is no exception. The compact design keeps your streaming setup organized, but the speaker still packs a punch. Two angled drivers deliver a realistic listening and viewing experience. The speaker also clarifies and elevates dialogue, so you never miss a word. You can connect up to three devices at a time with HDMI, Optical and AUX cords, but you can also connect via Bluetooth and play music and podcasts. Samsung 85" 4K Smart TV: $999.99MaxMotion wall mount for 42" to 90" TVs: on sale for $97.99 (7% off), originally $104.99TV stand with electric fireplace: on sale for $279.99 (44% off), originally $499.99Surround sound bar: on sale for $129.99 (28% off), originally $179.99Philips Hue Play wall washer lights: $219.99 Original price: $1,299.99 A Hisense 75-inch Class U6 Series Smart Fire TV is a bright, ultra-realistic TV with Alexa built in. The Mini-LED technology makes a major difference, enhancing scenes so they're more realistic. There are deeper shadows, brighter highlights and virtually no halos, helping you to feel like you're part of the universe you're watching. Enhanced using AI, Sports Mode transforms games by eliminating lag and enhancing colors to make you feel like you're in the stands. Apple enthusiasts can transform their streaming experience by using Apple TV. It works like most other streaming devices: just plug it into your TV with an HDMI cord, and you get access to the Apple universe right on your TV. Apple users with iPhones, iPads or MacBooks can connect instantly to access Apple Fitness+, Arcade and Music. Plus, using AirPlay, you can wirelessly send photos, videos or cast your whole screen from your device to the TV. The whole system is controlled with the included remote that has voice control. Samsung 83" Class OLED TV: on sale for $3,299.99 (39% off), originally $5,399.99Samsung 98" Class Crystal UHD TV: $2,499.99Modern reeded TV stand with arched doors: on sale for $329.99 (24% off), originally $436.99Extendable stand for TVs up to 85": $449.99Full motion TV wall mount with power strip: on sale for $119.97 (25% off), originally $159.97 LG's 65-inch Smart TV comes with signature OLED technology that creates a stellar picture quality with over 8 million self-lit pixels that make for accurate colors and enhanced brightness. The Brightness Boosting tech also makes your TV shine by eliminating dark shadows, even in older shows and movies. When you watch the LG 65-inch Smart TV, it'll feel like you've been teleported to the theater thanks to the Dolby Vision, Filmmaker and Dolby Atmos built in. Vision and Atmos combine to make your shows glow with extraordinary colors while improving sound. Filmmaker Mode allows you to see films as the director intended. For more deals, visit Take TV backlighting to the next level with the Philips Hue Signe gradient floor lamp. The ultra-slim design can be tucked next to your TV stand or placed anywhere in your home, and it can light up your entire room. Or, if you prefer, just light up behind your TV by attaching a dimmer to the lamp. You can use the Hue app to control the lamp, or you can control it with a remote or with your voice via Alex, Apple or Google Assistant.
