MTV Entertainment commits $250 million to diversify reality

LOS ANGELES (AP) - MTV Entertainment Group says it's making a $250 million commitment to spur reality production over the next three years by companies owned and operated by women and people of color.

ViacomCBS' MTV Entertainment, which includes MTV and VH1, will provide funding, staff and other support to foster new ideas that will 'œfuel the unscripted content needs" of now and in the future, according to an announcement Thursday.

Advocates of increasing diversity in the entertainment industry say progress requires more women and people of color in decision-making positions.

The initiative builds on MTV Entertainment's unscripted record, including early reality show 'œThe Real World," by creating ownership opportunities 'œfor its diverse partners,'ť the company said.

Lashan Browning and Adam Gonzalez, reality producers who were tapped last year to steer the initiative, will form their own production ventures with a MTV Entertainment equity investment, according to the announcement.

Browning was part of the start-up team for Oxygen and was a producer for 'œLove & Hip Hop Atlanta'ť and 'œCartel Crew.'ť Gonzalez was a producer on VH1's 'œTeyana & Iman'ť and 'œAmerica's Next Top Model.'ť