For 22 years, NAMIC — the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications — has recognized outstanding television and digital content about the lives and contributions of people of color through its Vision Awards. Amid controversies such as the lack of diversity among the major Oscar nominees earlier this year, NAMIC has chosen winners in 18 different categories from more than 83 nominations across 29 networks and distributors, representing the best in diversity-themed television programming.

NAMIC CEO Eglon Simons spoke with Multichannel News programming editor R. Thomas Umstead about this year’s Vision Awards honorees and the importance of celebrating the achievements of people of color both in front of and behind the camera — especially in an era with unprecedented amounts of content tailored to multicultural viewers. Here’s an edited excerpt of their conversation.

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MCN:How would you define the Vision Awards?

Eglon Simons: The intent of the Vision Awards, which were created in association with NAMIC’s Southern California chapter, is to highlight individuals who have created quality and entertaining multicultural-themed product that may or may not have been recognized by other entertainment-based awards shows. The Vision Awards are even more timely this year, because it allows us the opportunity to fill the gap that the some other well-known awards shows have not been filling lately.

MCN:How important is NAMIC’s focus on multicultural-themed content through the Vision Awards, particularly given the fact that we’re seeing more shows featuring actors of color in prominent roles on television?

ES: I think what’s important about the Vision Awards is that it talks about shows and themes that don’t always find their way to the big networks, so the Vision Awards allows submissions of content that captures the multicultural nature of stories that don’t always gain exposure. With increased distribution of content across multiple platforms providing more ways for people to see content, it’s often difficult to recognize it all. The Vision Awards also provides a venue to encourage more creativity … when people know that there is a forum out there that will recognize their creativity, I think that’s encouraging.

MCN:Given how many over-the-top, online streaming services now offer original content, how inclusive of digital media is NAMIC with regard to its Vision Awards nominations and winners?

ES: When you think about the fact that people can produce content on their phones and upload it to YouTube, it allows a venue to be creative, and we provide a forum for that content to be recognized. To the extent that we can provide a wider reach into the entertainment community, we can offer viewers more awareness and exposure of the shows and content that they want to see. It’s just beneficial for all involved.

MCN:Do you foresee the Vision Awards eventually moving to a big-event ceremony in the future?

ES: I would hope so. The cable and communications industry is going so through such a sea change right now. I can remember when I first started in the television industry, any television show that generated below a 25 share wouldn’t survive. Now, when you look at shares and ratings points, a 1.5 share is big stuff for many networks. I say all of that to say that the measuring points are different than they once were.

Given that there is such an exciting array of entertainment and creativity available, at some point it may substantiate a bigger platform such as a gala to recognize the quality of multicultural content in the marketplace. There will always be a need to celebrate diversity both on the screen and off the screen.

The cable industry has seen an increase in the percentage of women and people of color in management and senior level positions, according to new employment studies from Women in Cable Telecommunications and NAMIC.

The results of WICT's PAR Cable Telecommunications Industry Diversity Survey and the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communication AIM (Advancement Investment Measurement) report also warned of increased turnover rates that, if not addressed, could cut into management gains for both women and people of color.

The findings of the two surveys were revealed during a joint WICT and NAMIC town hall meeting Tuesday morning (Sept. 29) in New York.

The PAR survey reported that the percentage of female executives and senior-level managers increased by 4% since the last PAR report in 2013. Promotion rates in the manager and executive/senior manager levels were higher for women than for men, according to the survey.

For people of color, the percentage of executives and senior level managers increased by 1% since the 2013 NAMIC AIM report -- mostly from increases within cable MSOs and programmers, NAMIC officials said.

The number of entry-level and mid-level managers of color increased by a modest 1% since 2013, according to the NAMIC AIM survey.

While women gained in numbers in upper management positions, WICT's PAR report said the actual number of full-time female employees declined by 1% in the past two years. The survey added that an increasing turnover rate projects a decline in the representation of women at the manager level and above over the next five years, according to the survey.

“There is progress in a number of important areas for women; however, there is more work to be done,” WICT president and CEO Maria Brennan said. “The key driver that will significantly enhance representation of women is increased workplace retention. Overall, the survey illustrates the need for WICT and our industry to remain resolute in our commitment to creating more opportunities for women.“

Promotion rates for people of color continued to decline since 2013, and turnover rates remain higher than those of their white counterparts, according to the survey. Most notable are the differences at the executive and senior manager levels, where the promotion rate for white employees is twice that rate for people of color, according to the survey.

"While there is evidence that our industry is committed to increasing multi-ethnic diversity, continued vigilance and commitment will be essential as we move forward,” Eglon Simons, president and CEO of NAMIC, said. “The high rate of turnover and poor rate of promotion being experienced by professionals of color threaten to undermine hard-fought gains.”

The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications has named former Cablevision and CBS executive Eglon Simons as its new president.

Simons, who will begin on June 23, effectively replaces former president and CEO Nicol Turner-Lee, who resigned the position in July 2013. He takes over from interim president, Alicin Williamson.

Simons, who most recently retired from Cablevision Systems Corp. in 2011 after serving most recently as executive vice president of Cablevision’s Rainbow Advertising Sales Co. in 2002, is charged with overseeing the operations of the diversity-themed company. Simons also worked at CBS Television Stations Division in the 1980s.

“We are thrilled to welcome Eglon Simons, a proven industry veteran, as the new executive leader,” said Michael Armstrong, chair, NAMIC board and senior vice president and general manager, BET International and Paramount Channel, Viacom International Media Networks.  “As our nation’s demographic landscape becomes increasingly diverse, the business acumen and vast managerial experience required to further NAMIC's mission within the communications industry is of the utmost importance.  Under Eglon’s leadership, we look forward to achieving continued growth and expansion.”

Noted Simons: “NAMIC continues to be a standard-bearer for diversity and inclusion within the communications industry. As we move toward 35 years of service, the opportunity to lead the association and champion its mission is an honor.  I look forward to working closely with the chapters and collaborating with NAMIC’s board, staff, chapter leadership and industry partners in building upon the association’s legacy of success.”

The move also comes as part of a NAMIC executive reorganization under Williamson’s tenure.  James Jones, NAMIC’s vice president of education programs and diversity solutions, will take on the additional role of executive director for the NAMIC Foundation, a newly created senior management position, while Sandra Girado now serves as senior director of meetings and events.

Also, former manager of research Susan Waldman has been promoted to senior manager of research and publications, while Monique Wells has been promoted to senior manager of finance and administration.

 “On behalf of the NAMIC board, we thank [Williamson's] commitment to advancing NAMIC’s mission," said Armstrong. “Alicin’s steady guidance and strategic leadership were invaluable during the association’s transition. Additionally, we thank NAMIC’s staff for the dedication that they have demonstrated while maintaining a high level of excellence in facilitating day to day operations."