US-based mediacos PBS and Disney are making changes to their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in response to evolving corporate and regulatory mandates.

American pubcaster PBS has closed its DEI office in response to an executive order from US President Donald Trump aimed at restricting DEI programs in federally funded organizations. While it’s unclear how many staffers were employed in the office, which was led by Cecilia Loving, the pubcaster noted in a statement that “the staff members who served in that office are leaving PBS.” But while the office is shutting down, the organization remains committed to reflecting America’s diversity, a spokesperson said in a statement. 

PBS opened its DEI department in 2021 and expanded its DEI efforts in 2022, creating employee resource groups and increasing its BIPOC workforce representation to 44%—the highest in six years. 

As PBS shutters its DEI office, Disney is also shifting aspects of its DEI strategy, including reportedly modifying content warnings on older films in its catalogue such as Dumbo and Peter Pan. The previous disclaimer—which explicitly condemned negative depictions—has been replaced with a statement acknowledging that the films may contain stereotypes or outdated portrayals. This marks a return to an earlier version of the disclaimer from 2019.

As first reported by Axios, Disney is also adjusting its DEI policies internally. A memo shared with staff from chief HR officer Sonia Coleman and obtained by Kidscreen outlined some of those adjustments, with mention of changes to the company’s executive compensation programs, and the measurement metrics within them. Falling under the heading of “Other Performance Factors” (OPF), a metric specifically dedicated to diversity and inclusion has been removed, replaced with a new “Talent Strategy” that “represents an evolution of important concepts in the former Diversity & Inclusion OPF,” according to the memo.

“This factor will assess how leaders uphold our company values, incorporate different perspectives to drive business success, cultivate an environment where all employees can thrive, and sustain a robust pipeline to ensure long-term organizational strength,” the memo continued. 

This memo also highlighted recent moves undertaken by the company “to enhance our programs and practices to strengthen our workplace environment, in service of our business.” Among these are a “new online destination” replacing the company’s “Reimagine Tomorrow” hub on its corporate impact site, which—as part of a wider initiative with the same name—highlighted stories and talent from underrepresented communities. 

Launched in December, the site revamp reflects “the evolution of our strategic framework for advancing our commitment to being welcoming, respectful, and inclusive in how we operate so we are the best place to work.”

While the site has been rebranded as an Inclusion hub, it still features information on such Disney initiatives as the Inclusive Storyteller Series and the Imaginar Producers Residency, which supports independent Latin American producers.

Image via Christian Thompson/Disney