Pros
The Pros: The Paley staff is terrific - it’s a smart group of professionals who are trying their hardest to do their jobs in adverse conditions: being hounded about bringing in money - and trying to fill an audience - for lackluster events. Everyone supports one another, and makes sure that no one fails. Nearly every former employee has landed in a great place, a testament to their talent and work. The staff is dedicated to the center’s mission to educate and inspire.
Cons
The CEO: She is only concerned about big donors, and has little interest in informative and relevant programming around media, which is the center’s mission. There is no Impact programming, and no intention of adding anything that doesn’t cater to large donors. She has no experience in media, and it shows in conversations and in the erratic approach to programming. (For example, a hugely expensive, non-sponsored video gaming lobby installation - with no educational or social impact value) Overall, little attention is paid to programming that doesn’t involve having a board member speaking, or board company’s show being represented on stage. The CEO only shows up to those programs to make sure that the board sees her as engaged. Unless Paley’s Board steps in and holds the CEO accountable, I fear that a great institution won’t survive. Staff Turnover: many employees leave without having other jobs lined up - a sure sign that the work environment is brutal and unpleasant. There is a sense of desperation to senior management, and they have everyone regularly working 10+ hours days for no reason. Keeping up with the times: There has been no effort at Paley to modernize - adding cutting-edge topics and interesting ideas and formats, creating special programming for digital audiences or even updating the Paley website and app. The competition is gaining: there are more TV festivals, conferences, industry gatherings as well as livestreamed events. There are few reasons to join Paley, or to sponsor their programs - and the few sponsors who are left aren’t offered enough incentives to stay on.