A new mentorship initiative is opening doors for mid-level Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) executives working in scripted and unscripted television. The DIALOG Mentorship Program, set to begin in June 2025, is a targeted effort to foster leadership, visibility, and opportunity for underrepresented professionals in the TV industry.
Up to ten selected participants will be matched with senior-level mentors — seasoned industry veterans with years of experience and insight — for a full year of personalized career development. The program, which runs through May 2026, aims to create pathways to advancement by pairing rising talent with leaders who can offer not only guidance but access to valuable industry networks.
Beyond one-on-one mentorship, participants will also take part in a series of virtual workshops focused on high-impact topics such as pitching, dealmaking, and financing, scheduled from September 2025 to January 2026. These sessions are designed to sharpen business acumen and creative strategy in an increasingly competitive market.
In a major added benefit, mentees will receive a complimentary pass to two of the most influential industry events — the Realscreen Summit and NATPE Global, taking place February 2–6, 2026. These conferences offer unparalleled opportunities for networking, trendspotting, and engaging directly with key players in global content production and distribution.
With diversity and inclusion still urgent topics in media, the DIALOG Mentorship Program arrives at a pivotal moment. Its mission is clear: to support the professional development of BIPOC executives and ensure they are better represented at the decision-making table.
Applications are now open, with full program details and submission guidelines available [here]. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 9, 2025.