Evelyn Rodriguez

***Media Advisory***

MMTC Announces Endorsement of AT&T; - T-Mobile Merger {download}

The Broadband and Social Justice Blog was created by the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) to promote diversity and inclusion in the media, telecom, and broadband industries, and to facilitate universal broadband access, adoption, and informed use in multicultural communities.

Geek of the Week

Lisa Choi Owens

Lisa Choi Owens is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media at Scripps Networks. Scripps' digital media group owns a suite of Web sites, including FoodNetwork.com, HGTV.com, and TravelChannel.com, that sees over 20 million unique visitors monthly. In her current role, Owens oversees the company's online presence, as well as development of its mobile and social media programs. Prior to her work with Scripps, Owens worked with Fuse Networks, Aether Systems, and TheKnot.com in marketing and business development roles.

People's Hero of the Week

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we celebrate the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., each year, we reflect on the words and wisdom he imparted upon us before his assassination. One of Dr. King's most important visions was that of the Beloved Community, a society where “integration is synonymous with embracing our humanity rather than merely tolerating differences.” Dr. King's Beloved Community would extend today to closing the digital divide, the most important civil rights issue of the digital age. Because many of the rights Dr. King fought for - equal access to jobs, education, and healthcare - are closed to those who do not have access to the Internet, trapping them in an unconnected world with few options to better themselves. We are eternally grateful and indebted to Dr. King for his life's work, and we recognize that there is still much to do before we can reach his vision of the Beloved Community.

Multicultural Entrepreneur of the Week

David Brown

David Brown, a 20-year veteran of the communications industry, is the founder of BrownPartners, a Philadelphia area based advertising agency that focuses on multicultural marketing and design services. Established in 2002, it has grown to become one of the largest minority-owned agencies in the state. In 2010, Brown joined Philadelphia radio station WURD 900AM as executive vice president and general manager, overseeing the station's quarterly series, "WURD Speaks," and 900AMWURD.com. Today, Brown leads Pennsylvania's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program as a top executive at United Healthcare. In addition to his work, Brown has built faith-based social service and economic development programs throughout Philadelphia for over 25 years as a United Methodist pastor. throughout his career, Brown has received numerous awards and accolades; just last week, Brown was inducted as a White House Champion of Change, which honors leaders who are following in the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Digital Divider of the Week

Parts of Apple's Supply Chain

Last week, Apple for the first time released its list of global suppliers, along with a "Supplier responsibility progress report." Recent Apple audits have found many violations in its overseas supply chain, including breaches in pay, benefits, and environmental practices, illegal dumping of wastewater, falsification of pay records, and employment of under-aged workers. In addition, suicides at Apple plants have been attributed to a “militaristic culture” in which workers are pushed beyond realistic capacity to meet Apple's demands. Although the violations have gone on for years, Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed the difficulty in assuring every supplier in their chain adheres to conduct and ethics codes, but assured that Apple is working to totally eliminate such violations as underage workers. “With every year, we expand our program, we go deeper in our supply chain, we make it harder to comply,” Cook told Reuters. “All of this means that workers will be treated better and better with each passing year. It's not something we feel like we have done what we can do, much remains to be done.” .

Career of the Week

Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

Job Title: Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer

Job Description: RF Engineers set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. They are also responsible for the analysis, design, implementation, optimization and enhancement of wireless telecommunications networks.

Average Salary: $55,000 to $140,000K per year

Where these jobs are: RF Engineers are found in all types of organizations across the country, from Federal and local government agencies to telecommunications companies.

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or other related field. Masters in Physics/Computer Science/Management Information Systems for more Senior positions

Source: Payscale

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