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Montana PBS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

We understand the importance of our role as a trusted statewide, University-licensed public media organization; and we are dedicated to amplifying voices that reflect the experiences of all people across our state and that uphold our Mission and Values. Our Bozeman and Missoula offices are located on the original homelands of Indigenous peoples, and we acknowledge this rich history. Our broadcast area covers the homelands of 8 tribal nations and 12 tribes across Montana.  Everywhere we broadcast is originally Indigenous land.

We are committed to:

  • Inclusiveness and access: We create space in our processes and interactions for deep listening, input, and feedback so we can better share in the stories of all Montanans.
  • Accountability: We assume responsibility for our actions, products, decisions, and policies, and are transparent about our actions and goals so we can invite feedback.
  • Authenticity: We practice humility and stay in a learning relationship with one another, both within and outside of the organization.
  • Community: We see ourselves in relationship with others, and we value activities that cultivate those relationships.
  • Building Relationships: We are accountable for cultivating diverse networks of people.
  • Equity-Oriented Action: We embrace continued evaluation of our activities internally and externally as we seek to improve.

 

The Montana PBS Programming Policy states, in part:

We recognize our viewers are individuals composed of many different cultures (including the strong Native American presence) with unique ideas, views and dreams. Montana PBS plays an important role in telling our nation’s history and presenting in-depth views from perspectives not shown elsewhere on television. While we cannot serve all of the people all of the time, we aspire to serve each person at some time through a rich, ever-changing variety of programming and associated outreach activities and educational services. In this way, Montana PBS extends the mission of both The University of Montana and Montana State University.

We view diversity as the characteristics and attributes that make each of us unique, including our collective identities of race, gender, physical ability, national origin, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, and age. Diversity also encompasses our geographic and socio-economic backgrounds. We believe that to understand each other’s experiences, we must have honest–and sometimes uncomfortable–conversations. 

We are unified in elevating stories of the human experience from around the world and creating a community of educated and informed citizens. We will strive to implement our diversity, equity and inclusion work as we move toward broader inclusion in all aspects of our work. The “story of Montana” must be the story of all of us to achieve relevance, respect, and reach into our most underserved populations. 

We recognize that the foundation of our work must come from a place of cultural humility. We are committed to building relationships with diverse colleagues through our network of consultants, producers, talent, community partners and our public media network. 

Montana PBS will continue to amplify inclusivity in our programming and our culture, so audiences and communities can see themselves authentically reflected on-air and online. Our programming and community engagement will continue to increase awareness about racial inequity in our region and our nation, and we value the opportunity to serve as a convener by bringing our community together to work toward solutions. We will continue to make a concerted effort to produce, curate and showcase content that explores issues of inclusion and racial justice and engage with our communities accordingly. As part of our mission, we will continue to preempt regular programming to address vital issues as they arise. 

As our organizational and community needs evolve, Montana PBS will continue to evaluate our activities and look for ways to improve our efforts. This includes meeting the standards of federal and state law, Montana PBS’s Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s Diversity Eligibility Criteria.

To that end, Montana PBS seeks to create and maintain a culture that is open and inclusive, consistent with the charge set out by the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education. The Board of Regents Policy and Procedures Manual includes Non-discrimination language which reads, in part:

Each campus of the Montana University System shall insure that no employment or educational policy is discriminatory on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, national origin, or ancestry unless based on reasonable grounds.

 

Further, the Board of Regents policy on Minority Achievement further emphasizes the system's commitment to the state American Indian population by saying:

The board of regents (BOR) recognizes the desirability for campus environments to promote multicultural diversity and for the participation and achievement of American Indian and other minority students to be, at a minimum, equal to their representation in the state's population.

Hiring Policies

The Staff of Montana PBS are employees of the University of Montana – Missoula, and Montana State University – Bozeman. All hires for Montana PBS are conducted per the policies of the respective institutions, which are each equal opportunity employers.

Montana State University’s Office of Institutional Equity’s Statement on Diversity reads, in part:

Montana State University is dedicated to creating an inclusive community that embraces a rich mix in the composition of its student body, staff and faculty. The distinction in viewpoints that comes from differences in race, gender, age, language, socioeconomic status, religion, political affiliation and geographical background are appreciated and valued at MSU as important aspects of the campus community at every level and in every sector of the campus.

The University of Montana's Diversity Statement reads, in part:

The University of Montana respects, welcomes, encourages, and celebrates the differences among us. In recognition of this commitment, we value all members of the campus community, not in spite of, but because of their differences. A campus that expects, reflects, and respects diversity influences the way our students perceive the world. A diverse campus community enriches all of us with a greater understanding of the human condition and the challenges all people must confront in a rapidly changing, increasingly globalized, and ever more interdependent world society.

Seeking Diverse Candidates

Whenever possible, Montana PBS will take proactive steps to seek diverse candidates for staff hires, contract employees, and volunteer boards and advisory groups. Specifically, Montana PBS will:

  • Participate in job fairs offered at both institutions
  • Include language in every position announcement that states: “Because Montana PBS is dedicated to increasing diversity in broadcasting, women and minorities are encouraged to apply.”
  • Insure that management and staff serving on hiring committees attend AA/EEO training as available at both institutions, and consult on every hire with appropriate university staff to guarantee compliance with Board of Regents and university hiring policies.