Crane H. Kenney
General Counsel
Tribune Company began humbly in 1847 with a press run of 400 newspapers cranked out on a hand press. Today, its product line is diverse: Tribune’s publishing and broadcasting operations reach more than 80 percent of U.S. households. Tribune is also the parent of the Chicago Cubs and WGN radio station (named for the flagship’s old slogan, “World’s Greatest Newspaper”).
Tribune’s commitment to diversity is reflected throughout its upper echelons, with women and minorities comprising over 25 percent of almost every category of senior management.
(L to R): Roderick Palmore, Sara Lee Corporation; Kevin Scanlon accepting award on behalf of the Tribune Company; and Veta Richardson, MCCA
Tribune’s Law and Labor Relations departments continue the company’s innovative history in their diversity efforts. Combined, the two departments have 20 attorneys, 50 percent of whom are women and 15 percent of whom are minorities. Crane H. Kenney, senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, has seen to it that diversity is reflected in the departments’ highest ranks. Four of his eight direct reports are women or minorities. “Diversity is one of Tribune’s core values. The values we live and work by are vitally important,” says Kenney.
One of the many ways these departments exhibit their commitments to diversity is through their dedication to professional development. For example, Paulette Dodson, Tribune’s assistant general counsel, incorporated her commitment to diversity in the profession by leading the initiative of the American Bar Association’s Governing Committee of the Forum on Communications Law. Through Dodson’s dedication—backed by Tribune’s support—another innovation was born: a minority lawyer internship initiative, with Tribune serving as the pilot for the internship. In turn, a new generation of attorneys was introduced to the possibility of a career in media.
Tribune Company recognizes that sensitivity to diversity is critical for business success, as 52 percent of consumers in its markets are women and 43 percent are minorities. To meet the growing information needs of these consumers, Tribune has five Spanish-language newspapers, including dailies in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Tribune has established a variety of programs to enhance the pipeline of both potential employees and potential customers, including the Minority Editorial Training Program, the Emma L. Bowen Foundation for Minority Interests in Media, and the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Diversity Venture Fund.
In 2005, Tribune Company was recognized by Diversity Inc. as one of its “Top 50 Companies for Diversity,” landing at number 18 its first year on the list. Diversity Inc. also named Tribune as one of its “Top 10 Companies for Latinos” and “Top 10 Companies for Recruitment and Retention.”
From the November/December 2005 issue of Diversity & The Bar®