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By Shirley Brady
At some companies, the fast track and the mommy track run in separate directions, with the latter often ending abruptly at the glass ceiling. But not at Discovery and Turner Broadcasting System. Both programmers were recognized in Working Mother magazine's 19th annual "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" feature, published last month.
Working Mother applauded TBS for innovative work/life initiatives such as Turner Second Generation, the company's childcare facility; its progressive benefits programs sensitive to the needs of families; and the number of women in executive positions.
In selecting Discovery as one of the top 10 companies for women, Working Mother cited its generous maternity leave, convenient pregnancy parking passes and flexible work arrangements. All employees benefit from Discovery's programs, which include a fitness reimbursement and an on-site Wellness and Health Center.
Such initiatives stem from a top-down commitment from Discovery founder John Hendricks and CEO Judith McHale (included in our own "The Top 50: The Most Influential Women in Cable" feature in this issue), who made work/life smarts one of the six prongs of the company's strategy. WM added to Discovery's distinction by naming McHale its "2004 Family Champion."
Jennifer Dangar, who has worked for both Turner and Discovery, vouches for the companies' reputations. "I used to work at Discovery, then I went to Turner for five years and then I came back," says the former Ms. Reichenbach, who joined Discovery Networks as VP of new media distribution, affiliate sales and marketing, in May. "This is how Discovery got on the Working Mothers top 100 list: I'm allowed to stay based in Atlanta, which is great because I not only got married, I now have a stepson. I'm on the road three or four days a week, and Discovery has been so flexible."
Sadly, no cable operators made the Working Mothers top 100 list. Maybe next year...
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