MMTC has moved! Here's our new contact information.
1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20036 - 202.261.6543
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What's in This Newsletter |
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No, this newsletter is NOT about the election. But AFTER the election, we hope you will read about engagement to help close the digital divide, connect diverse communities to opportunity, and ensure diverse leadership, ownership, and workforce in technology and communications. Here are several highlights:
Happening This Week:
- Join MMTC for FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment's Virtual Access to Capital Symposium: “Path to Media Ownership and Sustainability” on November 6th
- Save the Date: MMTC's 35th Anniversary Kickoff Honoring “Champions of Digital Equality” on December 9th at 10 a.m.
MMTC Law and Policy Initiatives:
- ALLvanza, MMTC, and OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates Convene "The Digital Divide in the Era of COVID-19"
MMTC Events and Presentations:
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MMTC Board Chair Ronald Johnson Joins Panel Discussion at FCC’s Tech Supplier Diversity Showcase
- MMTC President Maurita Coley Joins Innovation and the Future of Work in the Wake of COVID-19 Panel
- MMTC Speaks at Hispanic Radio Conference
- MMTC President Emeritus and Special Advisor David Honig Shares Thought Leadership During U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. and NABOB's By Black Conference
MMTC Alumni News:
- MMTC Board Member Frank Montero Featured in Radio Ink Magazine
- Former MMTC Fellow Charlyn Stanberry Receives Most Influential People of African Descent Award
- Former MMTC Vice President Rikin Thakker Joins Wireless Infrastructure Association as Chief Technology Officer
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Join Join MMTC for FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and
Digital Empowerment's Virtual Access to Capital Symposium:
“Path to Media Ownership and Sustainability” on November 6th
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Join the FCC's Media Bureau and the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment for the Path to Media Ownership and Sustainability Virtual Symposium on November 6, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The symposium will feature broadcasters and lenders discussing how to obtain financing for broadcast station transactions in today’s challenging financial circumstances, as well as experts discussing the history of the previous broadcast tax certificate policy and the potential for a new tax certificate policy to increase broadcast ownership diversity. The symposium will also include presentations from Nielsen Global Media on ratings measurements for multi-ethnic broadcast stations, and a discussion of how small and diverse broadcasters can attract increased advertising revenue. Finally, Congressional staff members will provide updates on pending legislation intended to increase diverse media ownership.
MMTC President Emeritus and Special Advisor David Honig will discuss the History of Tax Certificate Policy and Minority Media Ownership from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
FCC Commissioner, MMTC Chair Emeritus, and Wiley Rein Partner Henry Rivera and MMTC President and CEO Maurita Coley will moderate a discussion on the Potential Impact of a Tax Certificate on the Marketplace from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Learn more about the event here.
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Save the Date: MMTC's 35th Anniversary Kickoff Honoring
"Champions of Digital Equality" on December 9th at 10 a.m.
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MMTC is hosting the “Champions of Digital Equality: MMTC's 35th Anniversary Kickoff” event on December 9th at 10 a.m. via Zoom. This event event is the first in a series focused on highlighting civil rights pioneers as social justice innovators.
The inaugural event will focus on the historical use of data to discriminate against and marginalize communities of color, the implications of present-day big data, and the release of MMTC's white paper on the issue. Speakers and panelists will include current and former members of Congress, MMTC leaders and alumni, civil rights and social justice leaders, and experts from research and academia.
The Champions of Digital Equality event will accept sponsorships for the benefit of MMTC’s fellowships, social justice, and digital equity policy initiatives. For information on sponsorship, contact MMTC Chief of Staff Dorrissa Griffin at dgriffin@mmtconline.org.
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MMTC Law and Policy Initiatives |
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ALLvanza, MMTC, and OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates
Convene Moving Underserved Communities Forward Event
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On October 14, 2020, ALLvanza, MMTC, and OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates convened the first event in their Moving Underserved Communities Forward virtual event series: The Digital Divide in the Era of COVID-19.
The event kicked off with a Fireside Chat with FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and ALLvanza Founder, President, and CEO Rosa Mendoza. It also included a panel discussion with Doug Brake, Director, Broadband and Spectrum Policy, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation; Anna Gomez, Partner, Wiley Rein; Francella Ochillo, Executive Director, Next Century Cities; and Clint Odom, Executive Director, Washington Bureau, National Urban League.
Maurita Coley, President and CEO, MMTC, moderated the panel. Ken Lee, CEO, OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, delivered opening and closing remarks.
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MMTC Events and Presentations |
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MMTC Board Chair Ronald Johnson Joins Panel Discussion
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The Digital Empowerment and Inclusion Working Group of the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE), the FCC’s Media Bureau, and the Internet Association held a virtual Tech Supplier Diversity Opportunity Showcase on October 23, 2020.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, Internet Association Interim President and CEO Jon Berroya, and National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial delivered remarks.
MMTC Board Chair Ronald Johnson, a member of the FCC's ACDDE Digital Empowerment and Inclusion Working Group, served as a panelist on the Show Me the Money: Traditional and Alternative Sources of Capital panel. The panel featured representatives from Fintech, tech sector companies, community banks and organizations, private equity/venture capital entities and the Small Business Administration, who discussed traditional and alternative sources of capital.
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MMTC President Maurita Coley Joins Innovation and
the Future of Work in the Wake of COVID-19 Panel
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On October 15, 2020, MMTC President Maurita Coley joined a panel discussion on "Innovation and the Future of Work in the Wake of COVID-19," a virtual event hosted by ALLvanza, LULAC, and PhRMA. Rosa Mendoza, President & CEO, ALLvanza, delivered opening remarks. The panel included: Sindy Benavides, National CEO, LULAC;
Dr. Gabriel Encontrías, Jr., Director, Health Equity, American Psychiatric Association; Ramiro A. Cavazos, President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Eduardo Cetlin, President, Amgen Foundation. Eric T. Gonzalez, Cybersecurity Compliance Specialist, Ridgeline, moderated the panel.
The panelists discussed the importance of STEM education and how innovation and the future of work will impact underserved communities. During the discussion, Coley pointed out the need to make sure communities of color are connected to broadband and know about STEM jobs and skills training. "Digital access and education are key! Apprenticeships can help them gain the skills. They are earn-while-you- learn opportunities. MMTC and the National Urban League's partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor to create an apprenticeship program that helps communities of color acquire tech skills. MMTC has helped to make broadband available to all people through its support of the FCC's Keep Americans Connected initiative during COVID19," says Coley.
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MMTC Speaks at Hispanic Radio Conference |
On October 15, 2020, David Honig, MMTC President Emeritus and Senior Advisor, spoke on the Hispanic Radio Conference's panel on Capitol Hill and the Beltway: Issues Impacting Hispanic Radio. The panelists included Tomas Martinez, Owner and CEO, Solmart Media; Paul Rotella, President and CEO, New Jersey Broadcasters Association; and Alexander Sanjenis, Media Advisor, Office of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. MMTC Board member Frank Montero, Co-Managing Partner, Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, moderated the panel.
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MMTC President Emeritus and Special Advisor David Honig
Shares Thought Leadership During U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
and NABOB Conference
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The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. and National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) hosted the first By Black virtual conference event on October 14-16, 2020. David Honig, MMTC President Emeritus and Special Advisor, shared his thought leadership during the "Washington Update—What Broadcasters Need to Know” session on October 16, 2020. |
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Journal-isms Forms Board of Directors and Appoints
MMTC's David Honig As A Board Member
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In October, Journal-isms, a news site dedicated to diversity issues, established its inaugural Board of Directors. Thirteen media diversity advocates including, MMTC's David Honig, accepted an appointment to the Board of Directors.
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News About Frank Montero, Charlyn Stanberry, and Dr. Rikin Thakker |
The October issue of Radio Ink Magazine featured a cover story interview with Frank Montero, MMTC Board member and Managing Partner at Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth. Learn more here.
Charlyn Stanberry, Chief of Staff for U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), was named one of the Most Influential People of African Descent. Previously, Stanberry served as MMTC Counsel and Cathy Hughes fellow.
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) named Dr. Rikin Thakker as its new Chief Technology Officer. Dr. Thakker will play a major role in realizing the goals of WIA's recently awarded U.S. Department of Labor grant and contract. Prior to joining WIA, he served as the Vice President of Telecommunications Infrastructure and Spectrum at MMTC. Read more here.
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MMTC Talent Bank of Tech, Media, and Telecom Legal and Policy Employment Opportunities
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Calling All Employers: Feature Tech, Media, and Telecom
Legal and Policy Positions in MMTC Newsletter
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In an effort to expand and diversify the pipeline in the tech, media, and telecom industries, MMTC will feature employment, fellowship, and internship opportunities for lawyers, policy professionals, and graduate and undergraduate students in our newsletter. Send emails to media@mmtconline.org.
Career Opportunities
1) FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks seeks part-time and full-time graduate and law student volunteer interns for his DC office beginning in January 2021. Interns will work on the full range of communications and technology topics handled by the FCC to advance FCC Commissioner Starks' policy goals of empowering consumers, increasing all communities' access to affordable broadband and holding wrongdoers accountable. Apply here by November 20th.
2) The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is seeking rising college junior and senior students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better for its Virtual Spring 2021 Internship Program. During the fifteen-week, paid program, students have an opportunity to learn and navigate the functions of local government and non-profit operations. Interns will assist with policy research, social media maintenance, and other day-to-day assignments. Apply here by November 27th.
3) The Emma Bowen Foundation promotes a more diverse industry by recruiting promising students of color and placing them in multi-year paid media and tech internships. Graduating high school seniors and college students of color are invited to apply for summer internships. Go here for more details.
4) The Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) is launching the Diversity Pipeline Program to attract, develop, and support diverse law students who are interested in pursuing legal careers in technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) law and policy. The Pipeline Program is an employment program with a legal skills development component that will facilitate access to paid summer 2021 legal internship opportunities for first-year law students from historically underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. If you have questions, comments, or feedback about the program, please contact Rudy Brioché (rudy_brioche@comcast.com) or Celia Lewis (cecelewis@gmail.com).
Career Events
Join the FCBA for its Diversity Pipeline Program Informational Webinar for Students, Faculty, Administration, and Employers on November 16th at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The topic is "Creating Opportunities in Tech, Media, and Telecom: Summer 2021 Internships for Diverse First-Year Law Students." Register here.
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USTelecom Publishes 2020 Pricing Index |
USTelecom's 2020 Broadband Pricing Index (BPI) features new research showing the decreasing cost and increasing value of broadband service in the United States between 2015 and 2020. This research, using FCC and other public data sources, assesses recent trends in residential fixed broadband pricing between 2015 and 2020 in the United States. The analysis reveals that during this period, there have been substantial reductions in price for both the most popular and highest-speed broadband internet services, and also significant improvements in broadband speeds. Simply put, Americans are paying less today for broadband services that are significantly more capable than they were five years ago.
Read USTelecom's 2020 BPI here.
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Comcast Launches Comcast RISE to Support Small Businesses |
Comcast has launched Comcast RISE to provide grants, equipment, marketing, and tech resources to small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19. Comcast RISE stands for Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment.
If your business qualifies, you’ll have the opportunity to receive marketing consultations, media placements, commercial creative production services, or technology services from Effectv and Comcast Business. Currently, only Black business owners are eligible to apply. Beginning November 28, 2020, all Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) small business owners will be eligible. Future applicants will also have the opportunity to receive grants.
Learn more about Comcast RISE here.
Go here to get free resources and sign up for Comcast RISE.
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Support MMTC's Fellowships
and Fall Fundraising Campaign
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There is an urgent need for a pipeline of workers, students, and professionals to address the lack of diverse representation and thought leadership in the tech, media, and telecom (TMT) industries.
Since opening our doors in 1986, MMTC has worked tirelessly to promote and preserve equal opportunity, civil rights, and social justice in the TMT industries. Our fellowship and internship programs have directly trained more than 100 diverse students and professionals, arming them with the tools and sensitivity to advocate to ensure digital inclusion. In 2019 and 2020 alone, we have trained and mentored 28 students and young professionals for careers in tech, media, and telecom.
With your support, through our Fellowship and Social Justice and Digital Equity Policy Programs, we can increase the pipeline of diverse workers and professionals and greatly improve our impact in addressing how to support our nation’s most vulnerable communities. Our programs cover areas such as essential communications and technology access; employment and upskilling, leadership, ownership; and more.
Go here to learn more about the Fall Fundraising Campaign.
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Support MMTC's Social Justice
and Digital Equity Policy Program
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MMTC seeks your support to officially launch MMTC’s Social Justice and Digital Equity Policy Program (DE Policy Program), a think tank comprised of innovative thought leadership and tech, media, and telecommunications (TMT) advocacy to provide a greater impact on the discussion of how to support our nation’s most vulnerable communities as they face TMT issues such as the digital divide; social justice; essential communications and technology access; employment, leadership, and ownership; and more.
Through this initiative, MMTC would like to fund the development of a think tank of experienced thought leaders in three focus areas in the TMT sectors:
- Technology, Privacy, and Civil Rights
- Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Digital Inclusion
- Media Competition and Multicultural Media Content Diversity
MMTC’s DE Policy Program will provide a forum for innovative thinking, data-driven knowledge dissemination, and consensus-building among those on multiple sides of the major TMT policy issues impacting communities of color.
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MMTC Jumpstart Your Tech Career and Business Guides |
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Social Media Highlights: Learn more about MMTC's work by visiting our October Wakelet Blog here.
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Subscribe to MMTC TV: Go here to watch videos of MMTC's Broadband and Social Justice Summits and Access to Capital and Telecom Policy Conferences.
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Contact Jonas Owoeye for shared space options at 1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW. Washington, DC.
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About MMTC
The Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) is a non-partisan, national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving equal opportunity in the tech, media, and telecom industries, and closing the digital divide. MMTC is generally recognized as the nation's leading advocate for multicultural advancement in communications. We strongly believe that the breathtaking changes in communications technology and the new global forms of media partnerships must enhance diversity in the 21st century.
About MMTC Media & Telecom Brokers
As the nation's only nonprofit media and telecom, MMTC Media & Telecom Brokers invests time and effort in training a new generation of media and telecom entrepreneurs. Our brokerage services have expanded to include consulting. So please think of us if you have a client or a friend looking to enter the broadcast business that needs a seasoned brokerage firm. We are dedicated to our cause of promoting diverse broadcast ownership in media, telecom, and tech.
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