National Urban League Calls Diversification of Warner Bros. Discovery Board a "Significant First Step"

NEW YORK (March 16, 2022) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial today commended the inclusion of several distinguished members of color on the merged Warner Bros. Discovery board of directors, but noted the lack of Latino representation on the board remains a concern.

“Any corporation that hopes to serve the needs of a diverse nation must prioritize diversity and inclusion at every level, especially among top management and governance,” Morial said. “Given the influence and impact of ethnic, gender, and racial representation in mass media and entertainment, the makeup of the new Warner Bros. Discovery is an urgent concern.  The appointments announced yesterday take the Discovery board from a single member of color to five, including one Black member and three Asian American- Pacific Islander members

“However, the board remains more than 60 percent white – an overrepresentation given the diversity of the nation’s population,” Morial said. “The exclusion of Latino representation is a missed opportunity to build a leadership team that is as dynamic and insightful as it could be.”

The National Urban League has collaborated with several of the nation’s top corporations to establish comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion plans that set specific and measurable goals and timetables.

“We recognize and commend Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to equity and opportunity and stand ready to assist the new company to achieve its goals,” Morial said.