The Recording Academy, organizer of the Grammys, has announced the 16 members who will make up its newly-formed ‘task force’ on diversity and inclusion.
The list of individuals will work with previously announced ‘task force’ Chair Tina Tchen (pictured).
The group will ‘examine barriers and biases affecting women and other underrepresented voices in the music industry and, specifically, the Recording Academy’.
Their appointment comes little over three months after the Grammys were hit by criticism from those who felt the 2018 event under-represented women.
The ‘task force’ 16 including industry big-hitters such as Stephanie Alexa (ATO), Michele Anthony (UMG), Elizabeth Matthews (ASCAP), Debra Lee (BET), Ty Stiklorius (Friends At Work) and Julie Swidler (Sony).
- Stephanie Alexa, vice president of finance and licensing administration, ATO Records
- Michele Anthony, executive vice president and executive management board member, Universal Music Group
- Cam, GRAMMY®-nominated artist
- Common, GRAMMY-winning artist
- Sheryl Crow, GRAMMY-winning artist
- Andra Day, GRAMMY-nominated artist
- Giselle Fernandez, award-winning television journalist
- Jimmy Jam, GRAMMY-winning artist
- Beth Laird, CEO and co-owner, Creative Nation
- Debra Lee, chairman and CEO, BET Networks
- Rebeca Leon, co-founder and CEO, Lionfish Entertainment
- Elizabeth Matthews, CEO, ASCAP
- Dr. Stacy L. Smith, founder and director, USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative
- Ty Stiklorius, founder and CEO, Friends At Work
- Julie Swidler, executive vice president of business affairs and general counsel, Sony Music
- Dean Wilson, CEO, SEVEN20
According to a press release, Tchen has ‘spent weeks meeting with and listening to constituents across the music community, using that feedback to assemble a task force that is balanced in perspectives and interests to ensure that the group is independent and focused on making progress in the industry. All members will volunteer their time and expertise, and none are employed by the Recording Academy or hold any position on its Board.’
“I’m honored to lead such an esteemed group of visionaries who possess the experience and passion needed to drive real change in building a more inclusive and equitable music community,” said Tchen.
“This is an important first step made possible by the Recording Academy’s leadership, which recognizes the benefit of examining these issues with fresh eyes.”
The task force is set to meet shortly to begin its work with a review of Recording Academy operations and policies across the areas of corporate governance, hiring and promotion, membership, awards, and the Grammy Awards telecast.
“This is an extremely important initiative for us,” said John Poppo, Chair of the Recording Academy Board of Trustees. “The Board takes seriously any role the Recording Academy can play in serving our music community, and certainly one that could facilitate increased diversity and inclusion. We are inspired by the prospect of what this task force might accomplish, and we’re grateful to Tina and the group’s esteemed members for graciously agreeing to partner with us in this effort.”
Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy, said: “The Recording Academy prides itself on being a thoughtful organization, and is committed to being responsive to those we represent in the creative community. “Today, there’s an opportunity for us to effect historic change in attitudes and practices within our industry. We embrace that opportunity in full.
“With a leader like Tina at the helm and a group of such high caliber, this task force is primed to have a meaningful impact on building a music community that is inclusive, welcoming, and open to all.”Music Business Worldwide
