NETA’s Bob Petts Completes Public Media Diversity Leaders Initiative

Petts joins a national class of colleagues seeking to implement diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices in public media

NETA’s Bob Petts has completed the five-month Public Media Diversity Leaders Initiative (PMDLI) hosted by the Riley Institute at Furman University in partnership with South Carolina ETV and NETA. The program is modeled after the Institute's award-winning Diversity Leaders Initiative.

Petts is one of 30 individuals who took part in the initiative’s seventh cohort. The engaging curriculum is centered around providing practical support and instilling positive behaviors for the integration of diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices in organizations.

“I’m honored to join the ranks of public media professionals who have completed PMDLI and are now integrating what we learned at our respective organizations,” said Petts. 

“Bob made PMDLI a priority with an already full plate,” said Eric Hyyppa, NETA president. “I am proud of the work he put in and eager to see all that he gained from this important experience.”

PMDLI participants represent the diversity of the media ecosystem in region, audience, demographics, and affiliate organizations. This class of graduates will enable PMDLI to continue expanding its reach and advancing the national public media landscape.

Adrienne Fairwell, president and CEO of South Carolina ETV, said, “When considering entrenched inequities across American institutions, it becomes clear that public media leaders must establish diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational principles in their organizations, as well as in their journalism. Partnering with The Riley Institute and offering this virtual program is an opportunity to equip leaders with concrete approaches to advancing social progress in their workplaces and throughout our nation.”

“The Riley Institute takes pride in facilitating these connections and discussions among public media professionals who are committed to meeting the evolving needs of an increasingly diverse workforce and audience,” said Don Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute. “We are eager to see the positive impact of this program and these graduates nationwide.”

Petts is the seventh current NETA team member to complete PMDLI. For more information about PMDLI, visit furman.edu/public-media-dli.

Please join NETA in congratulating Bob on this accomplishment.