The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has selected ABC Entertainment president Stephen McPherson as the recipient of its inaugural "Televisionary" award recognizing individuals who have helped advance the cause of diversity in the industry. The topic of discussion at the first salon, to be hosted by "Access Hollywood" correspondent Shaun Robinson, will be how industry executives can best foster racial and ethnic diversity in the scripted programming arena. McPherson this year earned the DGA's Diversity Award for spearheading the creation of the ABC/Touchstone Television Directing Assignment Initiative Program that secured a financial commitment from the Walt Disney Co. to open doors for promising female and minority directors to earn credits on ABC and Touchstone-produced shows.

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