HOLLYWOOD RADIO & TELEVISION SOCIETY (HRTS) TO LAUNCH THE HRTS FOUNDATION & FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM FOR UNDERREPRESENTED PROFESSIONALS & CREATIVES
Foundation is Supported By Inaugural Sponsors Netflix, Lionsgate, Universal Studio Group, and Weintraub Tobin
Leading Networking Non-Profit for TV Also Sets 75th Anniversary Gala to Benefit Foundation on Dec. 7, 2022
Left to Right: Philippe Maigret, Melissa Grego, Robin Schwartz, and David Acosta
Los Angeles, CA (June 7, 2022) – Timed to its 75th Anniversary celebrations, The Hollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS) announced it will launch The HRTS Foundation, a new, stand-alone charitable organization with a mission to launch and nurture careers of TV and entertainment professionals and creatives from underrepresented groups. Developed by the HRTS Board of Directors, the Foundation expands upon the mission and legacy of the industry’s leading networking, education and mentorship organization. Netflix, Lionsgate, Universal Studio Group, and Weintraub Tobin are among the inaugural sponsors of The HRTS Foundation. The announcement was made today by HRTS Board President Odetta Watkins (Head of Drama Series, Amazon Studios); HRTS Board Chairperson Dan Erlij (Partner, Co-Head, Television Literary Department, United Talent Agency); and HRTS CEO Melissa Grego.
“We share a common passion across our leadership and membership for creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive industry,” said Odetta Watkins, HRTS Board President. “Relationship-building, mentorship and education have always been at the heart of what HRTS stands for. With the launch of The HRTS Foundation, we are adding another way our community can work together to have a real impact on shaping the industry’s future.”
The primary initiative of The HRTS Foundation in its first year will be The HRTS Fellowship Program, which matches HRTS Fellows with an HRTS executive “sponsor.” The sponsor will provide support, guidance and introductions to people, companies and inner workings of the TV and entertainment industry. Fellows will also receive a guaranteed spot in the highly reputable HRTS Mentorship Program; complimentary trade subscriptions; a one-year HRTS membership at their corresponding career level (HRTS Academic or Junior HRTS) and tickets to HRTS events, including the December Gala, among other benefits. The opening of applications for The HRTS Fellowship Program will be announced this summer.
The HRTS Foundation will be overseen by a Board of Directors and Officers selected by the Foundation Committee formed by the HRTS Board to launch The Foundation. The newly named Directors and Officers of The HRTS Foundation are President Philippe Maigret (President, ITV Studios America); Chairperson Melissa Grego (CEO, HRTS); Secretary Robin Schwartz (Executive Producer); and Treasurer David Acosta (SVP & Team Leader, Entertainment, City National Bank). They also serve as Directors, along with Scott Hervey (Shareholder, Weintraub Tobin); Jordan Levin (General Manager, Rooster Teeth); Gary Marenzi (Founder/CEO, Marenzi & Associates); HRTS Board President Odetta Watkins (Head of Drama Series, Amazon Studios); and HRTS Board Chairperson Dan Erlij (Partner, Co-Head, Television Literary Department, United Talent Agency).
“Equal representation within our industry requires building pathways for opportunity. I’m proud to be part of The HRTS Foundation and fulfill its vision to contribute to the advancement of diversity and inclusion in our industry. We cannot do this alone; we welcome and encourage all individuals and companies to get involved,” said Philippe Maigret, President of The HRTS Foundation.
The HRTS is planning a key fundraising event for The HRTS Foundation, a 75th Anniversary Gala at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, set for the evening of Dec. 7, 2022.
Contact foundation@hrts.org to learn more.
About HRTS
Led by a Board of Directors comprising TV and entertainment’s most distinguished leaders, Hollywood Radio & Television Society is the premier networking, education and mentorship association in the industry. Our membership community includes 60+ Corporate Members and 2100+ individual members, representing the top companies across the landscape. We build on HRTS’ rich, 75-year tradition of providing an unparalleled forum for conversation and community through events, our best-in-class mentorship program and other initiatives for professionals at all career stages — from student to C-suite — in Los Angeles, NYC and around the world.