A+E to address equality and social reform

US-based channels operator A+E Networks is launching a series of specials and shortform videos on issues around equality and social reform, including policing in the US.

Laurence Fishburne

The company’s Voices Magnified campaign will kick off with one-hour special Policing in America on August 30 on US pay TV network A&E.

Narrated by Emmy-winning actor Laurence Fishburne, the show asks what it will take to transform the way streets in the US are policed so people of all races can feel safe and respected by those who are charged with protecting them.

It comes after Americans from across the socioeconomic and racial spectrum left the safety of their homes during a pandemic this spring to demand racial justice after the deaths at the hands of police of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others.

The special will also specifically examine the city and county of LA and track the unfolding story of how it is working to address the historically troubled relationship between residents of colour and law enforcement.

Voices Magnified: Policing in America is produced for A&E by executive producers Jeanmarie Condon and Fatima Curry from ABC News’ Lincoln Square Productions and executive producers Fishburne and Helen Sugland from Cinema Gypsy Productions. Fatima Curry serves as director, while Brie Miranda Bryant and Sharon Scott exec produce for A&E.

A+E Networks said the aim of the Voices Magnified initiative was to create thought-provoking specials and shortform videos that give a national spotlight to timely and important conversations on equality and social reform that are occurring across the US today.

“Through longform and shortform programming, PSAs and partnerships, we are committed to using our platforms to shine a light on the diverse people and organisations who are bringing communities together, confronting challenges and inspiring change,” said Rob Sharenow, president of programming at A+E Networks.

As part of Voices Magnified, the company will also be supporting non-profit organisations in their work in the fight for social justice.

These include contributions to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund to support scholarships for law students seeking careers as public interest and civil rights attorneys and to the George Perry Floyd, Jr. Scholarship for Racial and Social Justice at Santa Monica College.

In addition, the broadcaster is supporting the National Women’s Law Center in its efforts to use the law to change culture and drive solutions toward gender equity.

Earlier this year, A&E cancelled its ratings-winning show Live PD amid the protests against police brutality sparked by the killing of Floyd, an African American who died when white Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck for almost nine minutes while attempting to arrest him.

The US cable network had already pulled the show, which it had recently renewed for an additional 160 episodes, from its schedule and has now confirmed no more new episodes of the show in its current format will be produced.