Unveiling our Diverse Voices Accelerator partnership with A+E Networks

Today we're announcing a new partnership with the global content company A+E Networks to support our Diverse Voices Accelerator (DVA) - an effort that bolsters diverse creatives in the development, funding, distribution, and marketing of premium content.

As the newest partner to our DVA, A+E Networks launched The HISTORY Channel’s original documentary “761st Tank Battalion: The Original Black Panthers” last month with a commitment from Domino’s.

Executive Produced by Academy Award®-winning actor Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary’s production company, Revelations Entertainment, in association with Motion Entertainment, the powerful documentary tells the true story of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first Black tank unit to serve in combat during WWII, and explores in-depth the major battles they faced both overseas while in combat and against racism back home in the United States. The documentary received critical acclaim for bringing this largely forgotten chapter in American history to audiences.

This partnership will combine Motion Entertainment’s best-in-class expertise with the reach and engagement of A+E Network’s platforms, including A&E, Lifetime, The HISTORY Channel and more brands within the company’s portfolio.

“A+E Networks is committed to sharing diverse stories and ensuring that our content reflects the global audiences who consume our programming across our platforms,” said Peter Olsen, President of Ad Sales for A+E Networks. “Our partnership with [WPP Media's] Diverse Voices Accelerator has matched our best-in-class programming with powerful brands like Domino’s who share A+E’s dedication to advancing authentic storytelling from a diversity of voices and perspectives behind the camera, in addition to on-screen.”

“761st Tank Battalion: The Original Black Panthers” is the latest program that has been produced as a part of [WPP Media's] DVA, an initiative that connects advertisers with media companies to launch inclusive programming from diverse perspectives. Domino’s, a founding partner of the DVA, continues its intentional media investment as an extension of the brand’s overarching mission to drive equity in entertainment.

“Domino’s is proud to support programming that reflects diverse voices and stories,” said Kate Trumbull, Domino’s senior vice president – chief brand officer. “It’s important that we advertise and invest in media that reflects the diversity of our customers, team members, and communities we serve every day.”

“We’re proud to bring together members of the advertising community with diverse filmmakers whose stories deserve to be seen, heard and known,” said Chet Fenster, Chief Content Officer, Programming & Strategy, Motion Entertainment, NA. “We’re thrilled to work with A+E Networks and Domino’s, who share our vision and understand the importance of bringing these projects to fruition.”

The DVA is a part of our Media Inclusion Initiative (MII) — an integrated strategy for directing investment in and creating opportunities for diverse media companies and content creators – and a key pillar of our Responsible Investment Framework.