Corporate Social Responsibility Report

Transcription

2015
Corporate Social
Responsibility Report
2015 Corporate Responsibility Report
Table of Contents
Introduction | 2
• Letter from our Chairman and CEO
• Meredith Corporation Mission Statement and Principles
Environment | 4
• Mission and Charter
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Materials
• Transportation
• Energy
• Waste
• Water
• Overall Environmental Initiatives
Community: Volunteerism and Charitable Giving | 21
Employment | 28
• Human Resources
• Wellness
• Diversity/Inclusion
1
INTRODUCTION
Letter from Chairman and CEO Steve Lacy
At Meredith Corporation, we recognize the need for our
business to be socially responsible, as well as a competitive
and productive player in the marketplace. Just as we are
devoted to providing our consumers with inspiration and
valued content, we want them to feel great about the
company behind the brands they trust. At Meredith, we
pride ourselves on being socially responsible. This includes
promoting the health and well-being of our employees;
implementing continuous improvements to make our
operating systems and facilities more eco-friendly; and
promoting an inclusive environment for all.
Meredith’s charitable efforts include corporate volunteer and
community drives, such as Rebuilding Together workdays
in many of our markets. Beyond our major organizational
commitments, Meredith’s various brands and departments
participate in charitable causes, and our employee
gift-matching program helps individuals double their
contributions to personally important causes.
Employee health and well-being is also highly valued at Meredith, and our wellness program continues
to develop new resources to assist employees in leading better lives. This has expanded from physical
health to include financial literacy and career counseling. Meredith also recognizes the importance of
diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and has active committees in place to create programming and
organize events.
We continually adapt—from our business practices and policies to our products—to be better citizens
of the corporate world, the communities in which we work and live, and society at large. With regard
to environmental sustainability, we are committed to evolving our business as more eco-friendly
resources and processes become available. Last year, Meredith began a stakeholder engagement
process in which we interviewed internal department representatives and external business partners
about the most relevant economic, environmental and social priorities for their work. This has been
valuable in recognizing our successful efforts to date, along with identifying areas where more can be
done. Meredith has implemented many sustainability initiatives, as well as social- and health-focused
opportunities for employees, and we continue to find ways to do more for the environment
and individuals.
As a public company, our top priority is the value we provide our shareholders. Meredith’s dedication
to environmental and social issues plays a major role in helping achieve this primary goal. It’s not just
something we ought to do – it’s something we cannot afford to overlook.
This report details where Meredith has focused its efforts in areas including environmental initiatives;
volunteer and charitable contributions; health and wellness objectives; diversity and inclusion
programming and human resources initiatives. Our executive team and I fully support the passionate
employees who lead these projects and make recommendations for further development. On behalf of
everyone at Meredith, we look forward to continuing steps toward becoming even better environmental
stewards and leaders in social responsibility and employee well-being.
Stephen M. Lacy
Chairman and CEO
2015 Corporate Social Responsibility Report | 2
INTRODUCTION
TRANSPORTATION
Meredith Corporation Mission Statement and Principles
MISSION STATEMENT
We are Meredith Corporation, a publicly held media and marketing company founded
upon service to our customers and committed to building value for our shareholders.
From that, we have built businesses that serve well-defined consumer audiences,
deliver the messages of advertisers, and extend our brand franchises and expertise
to related markets. Our products and services distinguish themselves on the basis of
quality, customer service, and value that can be trusted.
PRINCIPLES
• Our primary focus is success over the long term.
• Our stockholders, who have demonstrated faith in our company, deserve a superior
return on their investments through dividends and market appreciation.
• Our loyal customers are the company’s lifeblood. We are dedicated to building
enduring relationships with them and to understanding and meeting their needs
with high-quality, high-value products, and with service beyond their expectations.
• Our employees are the company’s most important resource. We expect integrity,
creativity, courage, initiative, teamwork, respect and individual judgment. We favor
an entrepreneurial style. We value and reward excellent achievement.
• We believe good citizenship requires concern for the communities in which we
operate. We encourage corporate and employee participation.
• We treasure the good reputation of our company, its products, its services, and its
people. Our reputation matters to us in everything we do.
ENVIRONMENT
TRANSPORTATION
Meredith’s Environmental Sustainability
Mission Statement
In 2008, we formed the Meredith Sustainability Task Force to support our
company’s environmental sustainability mission statement:
“Meredith Corporation has taken a proactive
approach to environmental sustainability because
such action ultimately benefits our shareholders,
our clients, and our employees. This approach also
demonstrates that companies can be responsible
environmental stewards while simultaneously
increasing business efficiency, and ultimately
shareholder value.”
We created the following project charter to guide our efforts:
IOWA SUSTAINABLE
BUSINESS FORUM
Meredith is a sponsor and charter
member of the Iowa Sustainable
Business Forum (ISBF), a memberdriven association for sharing
proven sustainability solutions
among Iowa businesses. Through
networking, education and training,
ISBF’s member businesses help
each other develop sustainability
improvement ideas to move
their businesses forward. The
organization’s programming is
based on the specific sustainability
needs of these member businesses.
We will…
• Develop best practices for effectively managing waste, paper, water and
energy consumption across the organization.
• Raise consumer awareness of environmental issues by delivering inspiring,
meaningful content through all media channels.
• Encourage employees, suppliers and clients to embrace sustainable and
restorative practices through ongoing education.
• Continually measure our progress as we work to become more
environmentally sound.
ENVIRONMENT
Stakeholder Engagement
In 2014, Meredith’s Sustainability Task Force undertook a stakeholder
engagement process to help us identify and focus on issues that are most
relevant to Meredith’s business.
We interviewed representatives from nine internal departments and four
external business partners regarding economic, social and environmental
topics. Their input about the most relevant issues for Meredith reinforced
and strengthened our work in the past, while illuminating areas that need
attention, measurement and improvement.
We also reviewed external competitors’ sustainability and Corporate Social
Responsibility reports. The reports covered some economic topics, but mostly
social and environmental aspects of sustainability.
It is critical that, while pursuing environmental sustainability, Meredith invests
in projects that also bolster our social and economic sustainability. It is also
important that, while pursuing overall sustainability, Meredith remains aware
of outside public perceptions, including finding good benchmarking.
Internal Departments
Interviewed
External Partners
Interviewed
• IT
• Consumer Marketing
• Local Media
• Newsstand
• Facilities
• Production
• Sales & Marketing
• Editorial
• Print & Video
• CDS Global
• Quad Graphics
• New Page
• TNG Distribution
ENVIRONMENT
Materials
In our stakeholder interviews, Meredith departments ranked “materials” as
the No. 1 environmental sustainability aspect. “Materials” ranked second in
competitor reports. The focus of materials is largely paper, but also includes a
selection of other safe and responsible materials.
Paper Purchasing
Meredith is committed to paper purchasing policies that support the sustainable
management of forests and other natural resources. Suppliers must be
compliant with all environmental and forestry laws and regulations applicable
to their federal, state and local origins of operation. They must also demonstrate
consistent improvement in their use of third-party certified sources.
All certification systems have varying standards, but consist of two primary
types of certification: Chain of Custody (CoC) and forest certification. These
certifications are typically granted by third-party evaluators who assess a forest
according to standards set by certification organizations, such as the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). A variety
of labels can be used to distinguish the level of certification. For example, if a
product is labeled “FSC Pure,” it must contain 100 percent FSC land-certified
fibers. An “FSC Mixed Sources” label indicates a combination of certified and
non-certified fibers.
All of Meredith’s paper is supplied by mills with third-party CoC certification.
More than 80 percent of the paper produced by the mills supplying Meredith
contains third-party certified fiber. The paper industry is striving to increase
this number, but certified forests and land resources are limited. Even though
small, private landowners may already meet all standards, it is very expensive
and labor intensive for them to become certified. Nevertheless, the industry is
working with landowners to increase the number of certified forests.
FOREST STEWARDSHIP
COUNCIL/SUSTAINABLE
CHAIN OF CUSTODY (CoC)
FORESTRY INITIATIVE
What it means: The fiber used to
Both
groups
authorize
create
the paper
canindependent
be traced
organizations
to evaluate
and grant
throughout the
production
cycle
companies
certification.
To claim
back to the
original forest
in which it
FSC
SFI certification,
companies
wasor
produced.
The forests
must be
must
meet specific
standards
for
managed
under specific
sustainability
forest
management
andthat
obtain
guidelines
to ensure
thea trees
CoC
certification,
their
were
harvested tracking
properly.
paper supply from end user to
certified sources.
FOREST CERTIFICATION
What it means: Forestlands are
audited by an independent third
party for compliance with strict
sustainable forest management
principles outlined by forest
certification organizations, such
as the Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry
Initiative (SFI).
FOREST STEWARDSHIP
COUNCIL/SUSTAINABLE
FORESTRY INITIATIVE
Both groups authorize independent
organizations to evaluate and grant
companies certification. To claim
FSC or SFI certification, companies
must meet specific standards for
forest management and obtain a
CoC certification, tracking their
paper supply from end user to
certified sources.
ENVIRONMENT
Materials, cont.
Recycled Paper
Any product—including paper—must contain at least 10 percent post-consumer
waste to use the green-chasing-arrows emblem. While we have had some
success with this effort, incorporating the required amount of recycled fiber into
paper is difficult for large, mass-circulation magazines. It is often not the best
option due to quality, availability and cost premiums.
Because the use of recycled paper is not always practical, we have focused
primarily on reducing basis weights to more favorably impact the environment,
while also considering costs on behalf of Meredith’s shareholders.
Meredith Corporation is a supporter—with other media companies, paper
companies and catalogers—of Recycling Works in Publishing (RWIP). RWIP is a
member of The Recycling Partnership, a program of Curbside Value Partnership,
whose goal is to increase curbside recycling in communities throughout the U.S.
RFP Environmental
Guidelines
Meredith’s annual Request for Proposal (RFP) process helps select qualified
paper suppliers who meet yearly requirements. Vendors are evaluated on the
following criteria:
Quality—Meet or exceed quality manufacturing requirements.
Performance/Schedule—Manufacture and ship in the most efficient and
timely manner.
Customer Service—Provide a single point of contact to handle all ordering
and customer service needs.
Environment—Comply with all environmental and forestry laws and
regulations applicable to their federal, state and local origins of operation.
Sustainable management of forests and other natural resources is required.
Continuous improvement of environmental performance is expected.
Cost—Meredith will select the vendor that best meets all requirements for
quality, performance/schedule, customer service and environment at the
greatest overall value.
GOVERNOR’S IOWA
ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE
AWARDS The Governor’s Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards
are the state’s premier environmental honors and are designed to
recognize leadership and innovation in managing the state’s natural
resources. Meredith was honored to win the Overall Environmental
Excellence Award in the Large Business category in 2011. This is the
most prestigious award for overall efforts/improvement in multiple
environmental sectors.
Chuck Howell and Jenny McCoy accept the
Governor's Environmental Excellence Award from
Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds (far left)
and Governor Terry Branstad (far right).
ENVIRONMENT
TRANSPORTATION
Materials, cont.
Newsstand
Distribution
To reduce unsold copies
distributed to retail outlets,
Meredith developed a magazine
wholesaler incentive program
to improve each title’s overall
distribution process.
To reduce unsold copies distributed to retail outlets, Meredith developed
a magazine wholesaler incentive program to improve each title’s overall
distribution process. Collaborating with our wholesale partners, Meredith
is able to identify the optimal number of copies to print for each retail store
and the corresponding quantity to be delivered to the numerous distribution
centers located throughout the United States and Canada.
Just prior to printing, Meredith analyzes wholesalers’ distribution plans for
each retail store. Using criteria such as historical sales, inventory, promotion
and shelf space data, Meredith searches for opportunities to grow sales and
reduce unsold copies. This optimization process adds and deletes stores from
distribution, as well as increases or decreases copies for targeted stores. Once
these store-level copy-demand changes are uploaded into wholesaler systems,
Meredith creates and provides our printing partners a revised print order
quantity for each distribution center and its corresponding retail store base.
Approximately 85 percent of the company’s retail distribution now follows
this model.
Due to this process, as well as other initiatives, we have reduced the number of
copies printed and distributed to Meredith’s retail channel by approximately
40 million copies since 2009. For those copies that go unsold, our wholesale
partners recycle and sell the materials to paper producers around the world.
We also donate unsold magazines to MagazineLiteracy.org.
ENVIRONMENT
TRANSPORTATION
Materials, cont.
Production
Meredith has saved 2 million pounds of paper annually by reducing magazine
basis weights, or the thickness of the paper. Additionally, nearly all magazines
are run on a short cut-off press, further reducing our paper use. When printing,
Meredith uses ink optimization that reduces ink usage for our magazines by
10 to 12 percent versus traditional methods.
Consumer
Marketing
The Internet and the growth of Meredith digital editions have helped reduce
our paper usage.
Customers have the opportunity to subscribe to Meredith magazines in a
variety of ways. First, they can select a continuous-service subscription, which
eliminates paper renewal efforts. Our efforts to convert consumers to this
option have increased over the past few years. Consumers can subscribe, renew,
give gifts and pay for their subscriptions online. If this option did not exist,
Meredith would have had to double the current amount of direct mail sent
in 2015.
8
Subscriptions Generated Online
7
SUBSCRIPTIONS IN MILLIONS
Meredith has saved
2 million pounds of paper
annually by reducing
magazine basis weights, or
the thickness of the paper.
Meredith has also made great strides in reducing the size of direct mail
packages. In 2015, the current standard package uses 50 percent less paper than
the standard package used in 2008. We currently make 22 of our titles available
across one or more of the six major digital newsstands and major tablet devices:
Apple/iPad, Amazon/Kindle Fire, Barnes & Noble/Nook, Google Play, Zinio and
Next Issue Media.
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
FISCAL YEARS
ENVIRONMENT
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation
A major aspect of Meredith’s National Media Group business involves ensuring
magazines are transported to readers for consumption. Transporting reporters
and photographers to locations where news is happening is also key within the
Local Media Group.
Transportation, therefore, is an important consideration for our environmental
sustainability efforts. Meredith is in the process of identifying key metrics
surrounding transportation, including: flight miles, car rental miles, fuel
consumption, digital delivery of our media, and efficient transportation of our
paper products from printing to distribution.
This data will help our sustainability committee identify ways to reduce
corporate travel in the future. One pilot project underway is increasing the use
of video conferencing, thus reducing the need for face-to-face meetings.
In Des Moines, Meredith subsidizes employees who bike to work, ride
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) buses, or participate in
DART’s RideShare program.
Employee Incentives
Since 2009, Meredith
has offered a bicycle
commuter subsidy of up
to $240 per year.
Since 2009, Meredith has offered a bicycle commuter subsidy of up to $240
per year. The subsidy helps cover commuting-related expenses, such as the
purchase of a commuter bicycle, commuting gear (helmet, gloves), bike lock,
bike upgrades, repairs and general maintenance. To receive the subsidy and be
reimbursed for covered expenses, employees must submit their receipts and log
their bicycle commuting sessions during a one-month period. Those who bike
10 or more times a month receive a monthly subsidy of $20. Convenient bike
parking is available at Meredith headquarters and most locations, including
several with indoor storage.
For more than 25 years, Meredith headquarters has also covered a portion of
expenses for employees who take public transportation. Meredith pays for
employees’ DART express route passes. Employees pay just $15 of the cost to take
the bus route throughout the Des Moines metro area.
TRANSPORTATION
ENVIRONMENT
Transportation, cont.
DART also operates RideShare, a van-pooling program. RideShare connects
commuters with similar travel patterns, schedules and locations to set up a
carpooling group. Once the group is formed (with up to 11 passengers plus
a volunteer driver), a schedule and central meeting point are established.
Commuters then pay a flat monthly fee. Employees submit their paid monthly
receipt for RideShare, and Meredith reimburses them.
At all other Meredith locations, employees can enroll in a Commuter Benefit
Plan through Benefit Resource, Inc. Employees who sign up receive an eTRAC
or Beniversal card (both prepaid by MasterCard) with stored value linked
to their Commuter Benefit plans. The card allows participants to access plan
funds at the point-of-sale to pay for eligible workplace mass transit and/or
parking expenses.
National Media Group Transportation Initiatives
ALLRECIPES
Allrecipes.com encourages its employees
to limit their consumption of fossil fuels by
issuing them ORCA (One Regional Card for All)
passes to take advantage of multiple modes of
public transportation—including buses, light
rail and ferries. For those who prefer to bike or
jog to and from work, Allrecipes.com has on-site
bike storage and showers. Allrecipes.com also
provides easy-access services and tools that
enable employees to work from home.
Local Media Group Transportation Initiatives
KMOV
KPHO/KTVK
KPTV/KPDX
ST. LOUIS, MO
PHOENIX, AZ
KMOV has a cooperative agreement with
another St. Louis station for helicopter coverage,
helping reduce fuel consumption
and pollution. KPHO/KTVK participate in Maricopa County’s
Trip Reduction Program, providing monthly and
quarterly incentives for employees who carpool,
take the bus or bike to work.
PORTLAND, OR
KVVU
WGCL
KPTV/KPDX replaced older, inefficient vehicles
with new fleets of hybrid autos.
WNEM
LAS VEGAS, NV
ATLANTA, GA
KVVU uses a computer-vehicle tracking system
to give news crews the most efficient routes
when travelling to cover stories.
Since 2010, WGCL has grown its automotive
fleet to 17 Class E-certified vehicles and five fuelefficient vehicles that reduce gas consumption
by 30 percent. The majority of WGCL’s
automobiles emit low levels of vehicular
emission. WGCL’s newer diesel vehicles emit
lower levels of sulfur, as well. The station is
also forming cooperative agreements for
helicopter service.
FLINT/SAGINAW, MI
Over the past few years, WNEM has purchased
automobiles with better fuel economy, such
as a Ford Escape Hybrid and a Ford Transit, a
smaller vehicle that operates the same as a
traditional news van. WNEM also uses live-view
backpacks, which include everything a reporter
needs to cover a story, eliminating the need to
take larger, lower-efficiency vehicles to story
locations.
ENVIRONMENT
Energy
Our stakeholder interviews ranked “energy” as the No. 3 environmental
sustainability aspect. It was ranked No. 1 in competitor reports. “Energy,” in this
regard, is focused on responsible consumption—mainly on the constant use of
electricity—but includes other energy-related issues, as well.
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
In 2010, Meredith committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 20
percent over the next five years. We reached the 20 percent goal in 2012—three
years before our deadline.
Manufacturing
Emissions
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Meredith’s paper suppliers use biofuels
as much as possible. Bark, wood scraps and residuals from water treatment
are burned for energy, lowering the carbon emissions that come from burning
fossil fuels. Many suppliers also use co-generation boilers that burn biofuels
and produce steam for energy. About half the energy used by Meredith’s paper
suppliers to manufacture their products comes from renewable, greenhouse
gas-neutral biofuels.
Facilities
In 2009, the Facilities team constructed a new data center, incorporating
new energy-efficient equipment and processes. The heating ventilation air
conditioning (HVAC) system incorporates a glycol loop, or “free cooling,” so that
data servers can be cooled with much less electricity during colder months.
Meredith currently runs 95 percent of our servers in a virtualized environment.
In addition, we have migrated to a converged infrastructure, reducing power
and cooling requirements while increasing network and computer capacity.
In essence, we have reduced our data center footprint and kept pace with the
growing demand for technology. Meredith will continue this trend as new
technology becomes available.
Our Des Moines Locust North building was constructed with many energyefficient features. In 2010, it was LEED-certified by the U.S. Green Building
Council—the first existing building in Iowa to be LEED-certified.
Our Des Moines Locust
North building was
constructed with many
energy-efficient features. In
2010, it was LEED-certified
by the U.S. Green Building
Council—the first existing
building in Iowa to be
LEED-certified.
ENVIRONMENT
Energy, cont.
To decrease Meredith’s energy use, the building was designed with large
windows to harvest daylight, and a dimming system to reduce electric lighting,
based on the available foot candles of natural light. All enclosed offices
are located in the building’s core so natural light extends throughout the
structure. Depending on the amount of natural light at any given time, sensors
automatically dim individual lighting banks. Private offices, restrooms and
meeting rooms are equipped with motion sensors that automatically shut off
lights at unoccupied times each day.
The Facilities department is constantly upgrading lighting systems, which
are 95-percent fluorescent, to increase efficiency. As technology has evolved,
Meredith has moved to using the latest generation ballasts and lamps throughout the buildings. Most lamps have been converted to T8 or T5, which are more
efficient than previously used T12 lamps. In addition, the Locust South parking
ramp lighting was entirely replaced in 2013. The parking structure is lit with
highly efficient, motion-sensor LED lighting. Starting in 2015, general office
lighting is being replaced with LED fixtures. An upcoming project for the Locust
North parking ramp is converting the lighting from metal halide fixtures to
LED fixtures.
Automation is part of both buildings’ energy conservation efforts. The building
automation system turns the lighting and heating/air conditioning equipment
on and off at preset times. The system also monitors energy demands, shutting
down equipment to conserve energy and reduce the peak demand.
The buildings’ HVAC systems are also energy-efficient. Localized hydronic heat
pumps handle the heating and cooling of both Des Moines buildings. These
pumps move heating and cooling from one to another, thus saving energy.
They use decentralized compressors and can “load shed” during peak demands
to distribute the work. Relocating heating or cooling, instead of creating
it, erases the need for a large chiller plant, which requires more energy to
operate—even at low loads.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
1947 SOLAR HOUSE
Meredith pioneered the editorial coverage of sustainability long
before the issue entered public consciousness. In 1947, Better
Homes and Gardens published “Solar House for a Small Lot,”
a story featuring visionary architect David Barrow’s plan with
all its southward-facing, expansive windows.
Here’s an excerpt from the story:
“The secret of comfort lies not in the amount of glass, but in
how well the summer sun is kept off it. Roof overhangs do
the job; they shade the glass from mid-spring to mid-fall.
During cold months, the sun angles in under the overhang,
and helps the heating plant do its job less expensively.”
ENVIRONMENT
National Media Group Energy Initiatives
For the fifth year in a row, the Better Homes and
Gardens innovation feature spotlights energyefficient appliances; smart-home connections
that reduce utility waste via remote controlenabled devices; and long-lasting LEDs and CFLs.
Better Homes and Gardens has constructed
its first-ever Innovation Home, featured in
the magazine’s October 2015 issue. Designed
by Better Homes and Gardens editors, in
partnership with Lakeside Development
Company, the 2015 Innovation Home
incorporates the best of new technology proven
to make consumers’ homes smarter, safer and
more efficient. The Innovation Home, built in
Mequon, Wis., brings readers easily adoptable
home solutions to improve and simplify their
lives. The home’s energy-saving features include:
•
Multi-point monitoring of doors, shades,
thermostats, door locks and lights through
sensors and smart-home controls.
•
Solar-powered batteries that operate
window shades.
•
A door-in-door design for the refrigerator
that keeps food colder and prevents
cold air loss when grabbing frequently
used items.
•
A 55-inch OLED TV that uses organic
carbon in its picture technology and is
more energy-efficient than other types
of televisions.
•
Energy- and water-saving appliances,
including a clothes dryer that recaptures
energy with a heat pump, as well as
high-performance fireplaces that reduce
gas consumption.
Local Media Group Energy Initiatives
KCTV/KSMO
KANSAS CITY, MO
KCTV/KSMO added variable frequency drives
(VFDs) to their studio air handlers, providing
significant energy savings on both studios’
cooling. The VFD upgrade also includes a new
control system in which operators can set up
cooling schedules for different areas of the
building, increasing efficiency in the overall
control system.
WFSB
KMOV
KVVU
ST. LOUIS, MO
LAS VEGAS, NV
KMOV recently installed a new studio set and
new lighting. The update to LED-fluorescent
lighting reduces power usage by a factor of 10.
KVVU has worked with local organizations,
such as NV Energy and Concordia Homes, to
produce integration programs that send a
“go-green” message and promote energysaving products.
WGCL
WNEM
HARTFORD/NEW HAVEN, CT
ATLANTA, GA
WFSB’s new facility boasts many energyefficient features. The building is equipped
with a Flywheel UPS, which uses kinetic energy
instead of acid-based batteries for backup
power. Replacing CRT monitors with LCD
computer screens and single- and multi-view
displays saves power and reduces heating and
cooling needs.
In 2014, WGCL built a new studio focused on
energy saving. The addition includes highefficiency lighting and monitors that reduce
heat and power consumption by 25 percent.
WGCL also replaced one-third of camera
batteries with new batteries, which are 10 to 20
percent more efficient.
FLINT/SAGINAW, MI
WNEM upgraded its heat-pump system to
remove heat from the building’s warmer areas
and transfer it to sections in need of more
heating, thus saving energy.
WNEM’S Flint bureau has motion-sensitive
lighting that conserves energy when staff and
crews are out of the office.
WSMV
NASHVILLE, TN
WSMV recently installed a 130-ton highefficiency chiller plant, which has an outdoor
air “economizer” that, when prudent, pulls
in outside air to cool the facility. The system
upgrade includes a centralized, computercontrolled monitoring system, enabling
engineering staff to monitor and shape the
building’s HVAC environment.
The station also underwent a newsroom
relocation project and redesign, allowing for
the installation of motion-sensor lighting.
ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT AWARDS
The Metro Waste Authority partners with the Greater
Des Moines Partnership, Des Moines Water Works
and the Center on Sustainable Communities to honor
those who continually demonstrate environmentally
sustainable practices. Each year, winners are selected
from three categories: Business, Civic and Built
Environment. Meredith Corporation won the Large
Business Environmental Impact Award in 2014.
ENVIRONMENT
WASTE & RECYCLING
Waste
The No. 4 environmental sustainability aspect ranked by internal Meredith
departments in the stakeholder interviews was “waste,” which ranked No. 3
in competitor reports. “Waste,” in this aspect, focuses on efficient use—mainly
concerning paper—but includes other materials, such as IT equipment and
cafeteria waste.
Three departments believed “waste” to be in the top three most relevant
environmental sustainability aspects for Meredith. Four external stakeholders
believed “waste” to be a relevant environmental sustainability aspect
for Meredith.
IT Equipment Disposal
Meredith trades, donates or transfers materials and uses environmentally
friendly disposal methods when equipment must be altogether discarded. In
addition, Meredith has established disposal relationships with Apple, Dell Asset
Recovery Services and Iron Mountain to ensure proper disposal of equipment
and/or toxic materials.
Office Materials
Recent efforts to recycle office materials have reduced Meredith’s total waste.
Meredith recycles more than half of its waste, compared to 25 percent in
prior years.
Meredith has instituted paper-reduction activities company-wide. We started
with an initiative in our New York office, reducing a portion of paper weights
from 28 to 20 pounds, and we’ll continue office paper reductions in the future.
Corporate Cafeteria
Meredith’s corporate cafeteria, which also handles our coffee supplies for each
coffee machine at the Des Moines headquarters, eliminated all Styrofoam
containers and replaced them with recyclable alternatives. In 2015, the cafeteria
partnered with Darling International to recycle waste vegetable oil. Darling
International uses state-of-the-art systems to collect and filter the vegetable
oil and use it in the production of biodiesel, thus improving air quality and
reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Office Paper Recycled
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
ENVIRONMENT
National Media Group Waste Initiatives
ALLRECIPES
At the Allrecipes.com offices,
employees are encouraged to
recycle, compost and reuse items.
Allrecipes.com provides coffee
mugs instead of paper cups
for beverages.
FAMILY CIRCLE
FAMILYFUN
Family Circle’s Family section
introduces readers to green
initiatives they can do with their
families and teaches simple
strategies to reduce waste and live
a good-for-the world existence. It
also reminds readers and their kids
to celebrate eco-events like Earth
Day and features teens who are
doing their part to better
the planet.
For FamilyFun’s audience, reducing,
reusing and recycling are not
chores, but rather opportunities
for creative fun and passing on
important values to their children.
The magazine’s Make It section
offers craft ideas for families to
turn landfill-destined materials
into kid-friendly art projects.
Better Homes and Gardens
continues to celebrate the stillgrowing-strong DIY decorating
trend of up-cycling furniture; it
reduces wastes and lets DIYers
reinvent what they already have.
MIDWEST LIVING
MORE
SPECIAL INTEREST MEDIA
WOOD
Midwest Living’s ongoing coverage
of eating and shopping locally and
smartly reusing materials reflects
the resource-savvy mindset of the
brand and its region.
In its May 2015 issue, More included
a special Climate Change package,
launching a “Bag-Brag” challenge
aimed at getting readers to use
fewer plastic bags. More partnered
with The Natural Resources Defense
Council for a social challenge,
asking readers to use the hashtag
#MoreMagClimate to share when
they had refused, reused or recycled
plastic bags.
100 Ideas Flea Market Style teaches
readers to repurpose flea market
finds into stylish, inexpensive
home décor.
WOOD regularly features articles
on environmentally friendly
practices and ideas, such as waterbased finishes low in volatile
organic compounds; effective dust
collection; repurposing found
materials into useful projects; and
methods for wringing the most
material from every piece
of lumber.
Local Media Group Waste Initiatives
About half of the Local Media Group stations have replaced paper scripts for newscasts with iPads.
KCTV/KSMO
KMOV
KANSAS CITY, MO
ST. LOUIS, MO
KCTV/KSMO recycle used batteries and
arrange for retired computers to be picked up
for recycling. KCTV/KSMO also provide water
coolers, rather than bottled water, for employees.
KPHO/KTVK
PHOENIX, AZ
After recently updating its studio set, KMOV
donated the former unit to Southern Illinois
University’s journalism program.
KMOV recycles all outdated electronic
equipment with a local, licensed electronics
recycler. The recycler then breaks down the
equipment, recycling most materials and
components. Employees are encouraged to
bring their home electronics to recycle, too.
The station also uses DeCyclet, a non-profit
organization that employs individuals with
disabilities, to recycle and destroy sensitive
paper documents.
KPHO/KTVK have recycling containers in each
of their offices, and both actively participate
in recycling programs. The stations recycle
outdated computer equipment with a recycler
who disassembles the components, returning
the metals, plastics and other commodities
back to the manufacturing stream and thus
reducing the amount sent to landfills.
The stations also donate old cell phones for
distribution and reuse at women’s shelters.
ENVIRONMENT
Local Media Group Waste Initiatives, cont.
KPTV/KPDX
PORTLAND, OR
KPTV/KPDX recycle batteries and fluorescent
lights through a local recycler, and they
participate in Oregon’s electronic recycling
program to dispose of electronic equipment in
an environmentally friendly manner.
WGCL
ATLANTA, GA
To increase recycling education and practices,
WGCL organizes The Great Shredder Event to
offer shredding and recycling services for the
Atlanta area. In 2013, WGCL’s Great Shredder
Event set a Guinness World Record for the most
paper collected in 24 hours; the amount totaled
275,750 pounds.
WHNS
WSFB
GREENEVILLE, SC
WSFB started a used computer and batteryrecycling program with local businesses, and
now recycles fluorescent bulbs.
During WHNS's control and newsroom
remodel, WHNS recycled more than three
tons of cable and scrap metal from the facility.
WHNS donated all outdated electronic
equipment in good working condition to
local schools. The station worked with a
local, licensed electronics recycling company
to recycle all outdated non-functioning
equipment. To keep old batteries out of landfills,
WHNS recycles them through Battery Plus.
WNEM
WGGB/WSHM
SPRINGFIELD/HOLYOKE, MA
FLINT/SAGINAW MI
WGGB/WSHM recycle bottles and cans from
their vending machines, then donate the profits
to partner charities, such as Big Brothers Big
Sisters, Autism Speaks and the National
Kidney Foundation.
WNEM recycles paper, printer cartridges
and cardboard. The station also recycles
old computers or donates them to a
worthy organization.
The stations have switched to rechargeable
batteries, which produce less waste than singleuse batteries.
Close to 2,000 drivers stopped to drop off
paper at the 2014 Great Shredder Event, which
collected almost 20,000 pounds of electronics
and 81 tons of shredded paper.
As part of Blue Jeans Go Green, employees
collected denim to recycle into eco-friendly
insulation, for civic buildings and new homes
located in communities in need.
Station employees collected sneakers for
Nike’s program, Reuse A Shoe, that grinds
worn athletic shoes into new surfaces, such
as wood floors, carpet underlays, tracks and
synthetic turf.
All paper the stations use is shredded and picked
up separately for recycling.
WSMV
NASHVILLE, TN
In addition to recycling paper, WSMV has
instituted an electronic-waste recycling
program. The station hosts an annual recycle
day for staff and several large-scale recycling
haulers to remove significant amounts of
obsolete electronic equipment from the facility
to sell to recyclers. WSMV has also developed a
program to recycle 100 percent of the studio’s
alkaline batteries, used daily to support live
news broadcasts.
The station also maximized the use of
reclaimed materials in the relocation and
redesign of its newsroom.
ENVIRONMENT | WATER
WATER
Water
Meredith is in the process of identifying key metrics surrounding water,
including: potable gallons consumed in our facilities, irrigation of landscaping
and supply-chain water issues with printing.
Facilities
Meredith developed a 21,000-square-foot green roof with trees and grass in
the 1950s. This roof, along with two city blocks of green landscaping, reduces
the volume of precipitation runoff. The Des Moines irrigation system uses a
satellite-data–based intelligent system to adjust watering according to weather
patterns. The plantings on the west side of the building are native grasses,
requiring little to no artificial irrigation.
In lieu of surface parking for Des Moines’ Locust North, an underground
parking garage was constructed to provide a protected space for vehicles and
employees, as well as a more attractive site. This option allowed Meredith to
develop two city blocks on either side of the property into green space with
artwork and a large garden. The plantings on the green space also help reduce
precipitation runoff.
National Media Group Water Initiatives
Meredith brands, including Better Homes and Gardens, EatingWell and Family
Circle, create both digital and magazine content related to water conservation,
such as an EatingWell feature on almond farmers using water-saving irrigation
to hydrate plants in California droughts. Family Circle has covered ecoconscious families and their efforts to reduce water consumption. BHG.com
publishes articles on water-wise landscaping, eco-friendly toilets and watersaving remodels.
Local Media Group Water Initiatives
KVVU
LAS VEGAS, NV
KVVU is currently probing for ways to conserve water through Water
Smart Landscape Rebates, a Southern Nevada Water Authority program
in which properties are reimbursed for converting grass to desert
landscaping, helping save the Las Vegas Valley billions of gallons of water.
WSMV
NASHVILLE, TN
As part of its newsroom relocation and redesign, WSMV maximized its
use of low-consumption plumbing fixtures, minimizing water usage.
ENVIRONMENT
WATER
Water, cont.
In 1905, Ladies’ Home Journal mobilized readers to write to the White
House to call for protection of Niagara Falls when it was at risk of being
depleted by too many hydroelectric power plants.
Meredith’s
environmentally
minded water usage
focuses primarily
on responsible
consumption, as it
has for more than
100 years.
After being deluged with letters, President Theodore Roosevelt urged
Ladies’ Home Journal readers to write to Congress as passionately as they
had to him. Congressional action was passed the next year, limiting the
amount of water that plants could divert from the Niagara River. Today,
Ladies’ Home Journal continues to educate readers about the environment
and inspire them to lead healthier, more earth-friendly lives.
Overall Initiatives
National Media Group Environmental Overall Initiatives
ALLRECIPES
Allrecipes.com is committed
to promoting environmentally
conscious resources and practices
for its community, employees and
partners. On Allrecipes.com, home
cooks are provided with quick and
easy access to a wealth of recipes,
ideas and shopping tips related
to growing and buying local and
organic ingredients.
Better Homes and Gardens
regularly features editorial
content for consumers wanting
to understand what it means to
live green. With homes, services,
products and innovations that
inspire readers and show them
how to reduce, reuse and recycle,
Better Homes and Gardens covers
the new look of living green.
RACHAEL RAY EVERY DAY
FAMILY CIRCLE
A central part of Rachael Ray Every
Day’s brand mission is to enable
readers to easily incorporate
an environmentally conscious
attitude into their cooking and
other parts of their lives. When
readers cook at home, they control
the quality and nutritional value
of their ingredients. They can
make smart choices about buying
local and organic; being aware
of seasonality; and supporting
brands that champion responsible
environmental practices.
An important part of Family
Circle’s editorial mission is
providing readers with easy ways
to live an earth-aware existence.
Its Home section regularly features
planet-protecting tips, from
energy-efficient appliances to
environmentally friendly
cleaning supplies.
BHG.COM
EATINGWELL
BHG.com is focused on creating
content that teaches readers to
live a greener and more efficient
lifestyle. The website has done
this through its Smart Home
channel, which highlights energyefficient technology, as well as new
products that will enhance readers’
homes. BHG.com also teaches
readers about the benefits of
upcycling—reviving old products
and giving new life to them
through makeovers.
Much of EatingWell’s editorial
content focuses on sustainability.
EatingWell’s website includes an
extensive Green and Sustainable
online content center with
articles on green recipes, eating
sustainably, choosing eco-friendly
products, and ingredients’ origins
for recipes.
FAMILYFUN
For more than 20 years, FamilyFun
has promoted time-honored, earthfriendly activities to its readers.
FamilyFun approaches green living
broadly, through the lens of what
matters to families. For example,
spending time in nature, creatively
repurposing household materials,
making food from scratch and
encouraging children to conserve.
Magazine sections and features
regularly present green products,
gardening, nature outings, Earth
Day activities and community
volunteering. In 2013, the magazine
also partnered with the National
Wildlife Federation to present a
year’s worth of Be Out There ideas,
encouraging kids to get outdoors
while respecting nature.
ENVIRONMENT
WATER
National Media Group Environmental Overall Initiatives
LIVING THE COUNTRY LIFE
The mission of Living the Country
Life includes a strong focus on
green living. Each issue includes
environmentally focused stories,
covering topics such as windmill
energy, solar water heaters, biofuel
bugs, organic lawn fertilizers and
converting pond algae to fuel. The
brand’s radio show and website
all add to the coverage of ecofriendly content.
MIDWEST LIVING
Midwest Living and its website
often include short features on
environmentally friendly concepts,
along with products, appliances and
fixtures that are energy-efficient.
Past editorial coverage has included
green hotels for travelers; ways to
make gardens more eco-friendly;
how to cook with locally produced
foods; and recyclable homedecorating materials.
MYWEDDING.COM
SIEMPRE MUJER
The site mywedding.com regularly
features eco-friendly content on
its blog. For the last five years,
mywedding.com has incorporated
influential voices from the ecofriendly wedding community into its
content schedule.
Siempre Mujer was the first major
Hispanic media outlet to consciously
incorporate green content into its
editorial. The magazine features tips
for green living and, since its launch
10 years ago, has dedicated every
April/May issue to encouraging
readers to seek solutions for
protecting and respecting earth and
the environment. Siempre Mujer has
been featured on Telemundo for its
green-focused campaign, Vida Verde,
which highlights all environmentally
friendly content in the magazine and
on the website with a green leaf seal.
Siempremujer.com also features
original content created by Latin
experts in the field.
SPECIAL INTEREST MEDIA
Meredith’s Special Interest Media
Garden Group regularly features
sustainable gardens and gardening
efforts in its pages. A recent
Country Gardens feature, “Scents
and Sustainability,” featured an
organic commercial rose garden and
tips for growing roses organically.
COMMUNITY
The magazine
has also featured
community projects, such as a
WOOD
former Detroit parking lot that has
been converted into a sustainable
community garden, complete
with recycled automobile castoffs.
Country Gardens has also featured
biodynamic gardening, a practice
of organic gardening that also
encompasses an ethical philosophy
and spiritual awareness.
Woodworking is an activity that
directly impacts the environment
on industrial and home-use levels.
Because of this, WOOD regularly
covers topics pertaining to ecological
stewardship, such as the world’s
forests and air quality in home shops.
Local Media Group Overall Environmental Initiatives
KPTV/KPDX
WHNS
WFSB
PORTLAND, OR
KPTV/KPDX’s coverage of eco-friendly initiatives
and practices is part of the stations’ routine
reporting, occasionally spotlighting local
businesses and leaders focused on sustainability.
The stations also produce and broadcast the
Rose Festival’s three parades, which include the
Starlight Parade, Junior Parade and Grand Floral
Parade. The Starlight and Grand Floral parades
are among the cleanest and greenest in the
country. All three parades’ live broadcasts and
promotional announcements feature messages
of sustainability.
WFSB airs public service announcements to
promote the eco-friendly, Connecticut-based
magazine All Green. WFSB uses the publication’s
topics and experts on “Better Connecticut” and
frequent news segments.
GREENVILLE, SC
A Green Living section on WHNS’ website
showcases eco-focused stories. The page is
promoted on-air during newscasts featuring
environmental segments.
COMMUNITY
VOLUNTEERISM & CHARITABLE GIVING
Volunteerism and Charitable Giving
CORPORATE GIVING
Meredith donates $1.5 million each year to non-profit organizations through
the Meredith Corporation Foundation. Meredith has a business contribution
budget that donates an additional $2 million annually, and the Edwin T.
Meredith Foundation donates approximately $500,000 annually, bringing total
contributions to about $4 million annually.
Our matching gifts program funds non-profit organizations, based on both
employee financial contributions and volunteer hours. Meredith matches
each employee’s gifts up to $5,000 annually. This includes an innovative
volunteer hours match, under which Meredith contributes funds based on
hours employees volunteer with qualifying charities. Annually, approximately
$600,000 of the Foundation’s budget goes to employee-supported charities.
Employees across the company are also highly engaged on non-profit boards
and boards of professional organizations.
UNITED WAY
Meredith Corporation is a major contributor to United Way.
•
We have increased our giving to United Way of
Central Iowa from $250,000 in 2002 to more than
$700,000 in 2015. Employee participation has
increased from 50 percent in 2010 to 75 percent
in 2015.
•
In 2011, Chairman and CEO Steve Lacy chaired
the community-wide United Way campaign,
achieving record donations of approximately
$25 million.
•
In addition to giving, we provide ancillary
services to United Way, including writing,
designing and printing United Way marketing
and campaign materials.
•
We won the United Way’s Spirit of Central Iowa
award, the organization’s highest honor, in
2012. In 2013, Meredith won the organization’s
advocacy award for our wellness program.
ENVIRONMENT
COMMUNITY
WATER
Volunteerism and Charitable Giving, cont.
REBUILDING TOGETHER
Meredith Corporation and our
employees partner with Rebuilding
Together to complete projects
across the country to help preserve
homeownership for the elderly,
veterans and low-income citizens.
Since our partnership began in 2002,
our work has impacted more than
275 homes and 40 non-profits,
including the neighborhood of
Gerritsen Beach in Brooklyn, N.Y.,
which was devastated by Hurricane
Sandy. In 2015, we celebrated our
14-year anniversary with large
projects in Des Moines, Chicago
and Seattle, respectively. These
projects included restoring homes,
rejuvenating playgrounds and
weather-proofing buildings.
Mell Meredith, Vice Chairman of
the Meredith Board of Directors
and Chairman of the Meredith
Corporation Foundation, serves on the
national Rebuilding Together board as
Vice Chairman.
COMMUNITY
EARTH DAY TRASH BASH
In honor of Earth Day, Meredith sponsors Trash Bash, a community-wide event
focused on removing litter from streets and trails; beautifying public lands;
and cleaning out invasive plant species. This year, 1,300 Trash Bash volunteers,
including a team from Meredith, removed almost 22,000 pounds of trash;
recycled 304 pounds of materials; composted 50,000 pounds of brush and
debris; and picked up 40 pounds of cigarette butts. Volunteers also relocated
more than two miles of trails to help prevent erosion and protect woodlands.
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Chairman and CEO Steve Lacy served as host sponsor and chair of the
2015 Central Iowa Heart Walk. The event raised more than $410,000, a
7 percent increase from the previous year. Meredith participants raised
more than $70,000 of that total, the most any company has raised in
the event’s history.
OTHER COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Meredith also supports its communities in other unique ways:
• Meredith has major relationships with Drake University, Iowa State
University and the University of Iowa. With Drake and Iowa State, we began
the first-ever apprentice programs in which students work at Meredith for
an extended period of time. This longer time frame benefits both students
and managers. Students receive a more in-depth education on the business
and have time to develop into skilled employees, understanding and invested
in the work they do. Often, students’ apprenticeships turn into full-time
jobs. In addition to the apprentice program, Meredith makes major annual
financial contributions to each university.
• In addition to planned community support, we step up to aid our
communities and employees affected by natural disasters. When Hurricane
Sandy demolished Gerritsen Beach and other areas on the East Coast,
Meredith partnered with Rebuilding Together to help restore the community
and rebuild homes. Likewise, in the wake of massive flooding in May 2010,
WSMV, Nashville, Tenn., produced a star-studded telethon that raised more
than $1.7 million for the Salvation Army, the Red Cross and Second Harvest
Food Bank of Nashville.
• Through Corporate Angel Network, Meredith donates the use of its corporate
jets in the transportation of cancer patients to and from treatment centers.
COMMUNITY
National Media Group Community Initiatives
BRAND COLLABORATIONS
Look Good, Feel Better
In 2014, for the third year, editors
from Meredith brands More,
Rachael Ray Every Day and Fitness
attended the Look Good Feel Better
Beauty Editors Day in NYC.
Since Beauty Editors Day began
three years ago, the event has
had almost 1,500 consumer
participants and raised more than
$250,000 for the organization,
which is dedicated to improving
the lives of people undergoing
treatment for cancer through
complimentary beauty sessions.
During the annual event,
consumers visit with their favorite
beauty editors at leading beauty
brands’ counters for 20-minute
one-on-one consultations.
ALLRECIPES
ANA National Conference
At the Association of National
Advertisers Masters of Marketing
Annual Conference, Meredith hosts
a silent auction with products and
experiences donated by its brands.
The proceeds from the auction
are then matched and donated
to CARE, a leading humanitarian
organization fighting global
poverty and focusing especially
on empowering impoverished
women. In 2014, the silent auction
received funds of $26,000 for CARE,
matched by a $15,000 donation
from Meredith.
More/Fitness/Shape Women’s
Half-Marathon
CARE received more than 52
million impressions from
AMERICAN BABY
in-book and online marketing of
the More/Fitness/Shape Women’s
Half-Marathon through Meredith
networks in 2014 and 2015.
CARE partnered with More, Fitness
and Shape to receive prominent
exposure at the More/Fitness/
Shape Women’s Half-Marathon. As
the official charity partner for the
race, participants were encouraged
to donate $10 or more to CARE with
registration, and donors received
a free gift on race day. CARE was
also the exclusive sponsor for
the race cheer cards, which were
distributed with $1-plus donations
at bib pick-up on race day. CARE
raised more than $5,000 through
the partnership.
Food Lifeline
Allrecipes.com hosts events and
encourages employees to volunteer
for and contribute to Food Lifeline,
a member of Feeding America
that works to combat hunger in
Washington state.
Rebuilding Together
Each year, Allrecipes.com sets aside
a day for employees to assist with
a project in its community.
AMERICAN PATCHWORK & QUILTING
Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics
One Million Pillowcase
Challenge
The Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics (eatright.org) is the
world’s largest organization of
food and nutrition professionals.
American Baby partnered with
the organization in 2015 to survey
thousands of pregnant women
about their diet during pregnancy.
The results are published in the
October 2015 issue.
The American Patchwork &
Quilting (APQ) One Million
Pillowcase Challenge inspires
both first-time sewists and
experienced quilters to make
and donate pillowcases to the
charities in their communities.
With quilt shops coast to coast
organizing events and acting
as drop-off points, groups and
individuals participate in the
program to supply pillowcases to
children and families in crisis in
their communities. In addition
to the overarching One Million
Pillowcase Challenge, APQ invites
the public to sew with editors and
staff members at various events
throughout the year. For one of
these events, the 24-Hour Sewa-thon, APQ invites the public to
visit the Meredith headquarters in
Des Moines to create pillowcases
for charity. Groups and shops hold
their own events during the same
time period, and individuals can
sew along at home, connecting
via social media platforms to join
the fun.
Last year, more than 1,300
pillowcases were made in
Des Moines alone during the
24-Hour Sew-a-thon. These
pillowcases were distributed
to Central Iowa charities and
organizations, such as Blank
Children’s Hospital, ChildServe,
Hope Ministries, On with Life,
Orchard Place, Rebuilding Together,
Ronald McDonald House Charities
and Youth Emergency Services and
Shelter (YESS). During the 24-hour
period, more than 7,700 pillowcases
were made and recorded
worldwide. Since the program
began in 2010, approximately
630,000 pillowcases have been
made and donated.
RACHAEL RAY EVERY DAY
Rachael’s Rescue
Rachael Ray created the Rachael’s
Rescue website to highlight groups,
such as the American Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals, that are dedicated to
helping the millions of mistreated
and abandoned animals taken to
shelters each year. A portion of all
proceeds from the sale of
Rachael Ray products goes to these
featured organizations.
Each month, the Rachael Ray
Every Day Pet Project feature tells
a heart-warming rescue story,
driving readers to the Rachael’s
Rescue website.
Yum-o!
Rachael Ray’s non-profit, Yum-o!,
empowers children and their
families to develop healthy
relationships with food and
cooking by teaching families to
cook; feeding hungry kids; and
funding cooking education
and scholarships.
Since its inception in 2007, Rachael
Ray Every Day has featured Yum-o!
news and events, with special callouts to the work Rachael is doing
with the organization.
COMMUNITY
National Media Group Community Initiatives
FAMILYFUN
Craft Hope and Enchanted
Makeovers
FamilyFun partners with Craft
Hope, a non-profit that matches
crafters with charities; and with
Enchanted Makeovers, a nonprofit that turns drab women’s
and children’s shelters into
happier places.
FamilyFun challenges its audience
to make hand-crafted superhero
capes for kids, which are donated
to shelters around the country.
MXM
Generation On
MXM Gives
As an official media partner of
Generation On, part of the Points
of Light Foundation, FamilyFun
co-promoted the organization’s
Family Volunteer Day through
social media, a Twitter Party,
blogger mentions, and a reference
in the November 2014 issue.
In the November 2015 issue,
FamilyFun profiled a collection of
families from this outreach in the
FamilyFun volunteer awards, and
again mentioned its partnership
with Generation On.
Meredith Xcelerated Marketing
has organized its own charitable
initiative called MXM Gives.
Since its inception in 2014, this
organization has supported
Des Moines organizations such as
Community Youth Concepts, an
organization that connects youths
PARENTS
MYWEDDING.COM
Brides Against Breast Cancer
March of Dimes
The site mywedding.com is a
national sponsor of Brides Against
Breast Cancer events. In 2015,
mywedding.com organized Bridal
Bash, a fashion event to raise
money for the non-profit.
Parents continues to support the
March of Dimes, regularly covering
its programs and initiatives.
Editor-in-Chief Dana Points
serves on the organization’s
board of directors and chairs its
communications advisory council,
which organizes luncheons
around scientific topics related
to the latest research in fertility,
pregnancy and premature birth.
Child Mind Institute
Parents has consistently supported
and helped publicize Child Mind
Institute’s annual Speak Up For
SER PADRES
with adults for mentoring; three
pet rescue organizations; and
Katie’s Crusaders, a local group
that supports breast cancer
patients and survivors. Funds
for the non-profits were raised
through activities such as chili
lunches, bake sales, book sales, boxtop collection, cutest pet contests,
and more.
SIEMPRE MUJER
Kids campaign to raise awareness
about National Children’s Mental
Health Awareness Month,
including conducting exclusive
reader surveys on attitudes about
mental health issues.
Safe Kids Worldwide
Parents has been a sponsor of Safe
Kids Day in the past.
Safe Kids Worldwide (SKWW) and
American Baby also partnered on
a survey regarding infant sleep
practices, and SKWW continues to be
a resource for the Meredith Parents
Network on all matters related to
children’s safety.
Dana Points is the chairman of the
SKWW board of directors.
Wellness in The Schools
Parents is teaming up with Wellness
in the Schools, an organization that
works with chefs to develop healthy,
kid-friendly recipes for the school
cafeteria and classroom cooking
classes. Five favorite cafeteria and
cooking class recipes from last school
year will be included in a 2016
feature called “Kid-Tested &
Approved Recipes.”
TRADITIONAL HOME
Operation Backpack
Casa de Esperanza
Classic Woman Awards
National Showhouse Tour
Each year, Ser Padres staff and
advertising partners volunteer
their time and product to
Operation Backpack. The
organization equips children, prekindergarten through age 12 and
living in New York City shelters,
with backpacks and supplies
for the school year. Operation
Backpack distributed 18,400
backpacks in 2014.
Siempre Mujer’s Editor-in-Chief,
Maria Marrero, serves on the nonprofit’s board of directors. Through
its editorial and event-driven
platforms, the brand promotes the
organization’s efforts to mobilize
Latina communities to end
domestic violence.
Each year, Traditional Home honors
five reader-nominated women who
give back to their communities.
Traditional Home raises awareness
for these women’s charities by
featuring them in the magazine,
presenting each with a cash
donation and hosting an awards
celebration in New York.
Traditional Home partners with
numerous charities via the events
and programs it supports during
the annual Showhouse Tour.
Charities supported by this year’s
awards are: The Thorn Tree Project,
Prospector Theater, Tigerlily
Foundation, Kids’ Food Basket and
Children of Conservation.
Charities supported by this year’s
show are: Atlanta Symphony
Orchestra, Hackensack University
Medical Center, Breast Cancer
Research Foundation, Napa
Valley Film Festival, Palm
Springs Preservation Efforts and
Southampton Hospital.
COMMUNITY
Local Media Group Community Initiatives
KCTV/KSMO
KMOV
KANSAS CITY, MO
ST. LOUIS, MO
American Cancer Society
For the organization’s Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer event, KCTV/KSMO provided
live coverage, an emcee and a public service
announcement. The event raised more than
$350,000 in 2014.
Art Bra KC
KCTV/KSMO produced public service
announcements and provided news coverage
and an emcee for Art Bra KC, raising more than
$200,000 in funds.
First Downs for Down Syndrome
By producing a public service announcement
and providing news coverage and an event,
KCTV/KSMO helped this Down Syndromeawareness fundraising organization raise more
than $400,000 for the 2014 Step Up Walk.
Giving the Basics
KCTV/KSMO developed a wellness campaign
of news, “Better KC” interviews and a public
service announcement for the organization
bringing human dignity products (shampoo,
toothbrushes, toilet paper, etc.) to those in
need. The stations’ promotional efforts helped
generate thousands of drives with local schools
and businesses in the Kansas City area.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
With the assistance of KCTV/KSMO, which
arranged news coverage and an emcee for
the event, the Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society’s 2014 Light the Night Walk raised more
than $700,000, the most money ever raised for
the chapter.
March of Dimes
Crisis Nursery
Through the March for Babies May 2015 event,
KCTV/KSMO helped raise more than $650,000
for March of Dimes. KCTV/KSMO supplied an
emcee and contributed news coverage of the
walk, which had more than 10,000 participants.
For more than 20 years, KMOV has sponsored
Crisis Nursery events. In partnership with
KMOV, Crisis Nursery’s fundraising events have
raised hundreds of thousands of dollars
to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing
short-term emergency shelter for children
whose families are in states of emergency
or crisis.
National Parkinson Foundation
In 2014, KCTV/KSMO provided an emcee and
news coverage for BasketBALL, a fundraising
gala held at the College Basketball Experience
during the Final Four games, which raised more
than $145,000. KCTV/KSMO also produce PSAs
for the event.
In addition to partnering with Crisis Nursery
on all its events, KMOV provided news coverage
and helped produce a training video for police
and other emergency personnel.
Operation Food Search
Project Warmth
Through a commercial-free telethon,
KCTV/KSMO helped raise more than $15,000
for the organization, which provides coats
and blankets to those in need. KCTV/KSMO
produced PSAs for the telethon and Project
Warmth’s coat and blanket drive.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
KCTV/KSMO helped set a single-day fundraising
record of more than $100,000 for Ronald
McDonald House Charities in 2014. The stations
created a public service announcement and
featured news coverage of Red Friday, a
fundraising day in which all sales of Chiefs
Kingdom flags benefited the organization.
In 2014, KMOV partnered again with Operation
Food Search for the annual Thanks4Giving
Food Drive. Together, KMOV and Operation
Food Search collected enough food and cash
donations to provide 30,000 meals, feeding
thousands of families in need during the
holiday season.
Shriner’s Hospitals for Children—St. Louis
KMOV Cares: Heroes for Kids telethon, in
partnership with Shriner’s Hospitals for
Children—St. Louis, raised $310,000 in 2014,
its inaugural year. The 12-hour telethon funds
much-needed orthopedic care for children
throughout the area.
Variety—The Children’s Charity
Hosting and covering Variety’s annual
fundraiser, The Variety Show, KCTV/KSMO
helped raise more than $300,000 for the
organization in 2015.
TRANSPORTATION
COMMUNITY
Local Media Group Community Initiatives
KPHO
PHOENIX, AZ
KTVK
KPTV/KPDX
PHOENIX, AZ
PORTLAND, OR
Back to School Clothing Drive
Childhood Hunger Drive
The Bite of Oregon
As part of the Pay It Forward collection drive,
KPHO teamed up with Albertsons grocery
stores to raise money and donations. The drive
raised nearly $100,000 in cash and donations to
benefit Arizona students in need.
KTVK joined forces with Bashas, Food City,
Safeway and Albertsons stores statewide for a
month-long campaign, raising nearly $300,000
for food banks and pantries across Arizona.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Almost 30 years ago, KTVK and The Salvation
Army founded the Christmas Angel program
to provide holiday gifts to children in need. The
station and The Salvation Army have provided
gifts to more than 52,000 Arizona children in
need, and the Christmas Angel program is now
operating in cities across the nation.
For the past eight years, KPTV/KPDX have
supported The Bite of Oregon Special Olympics
Oregon benefit, raising close to $1 million. One
of Portland’s most popular events, The Bite
celebrates Oregon, its food, people and quality
of life.
In 2014, KPHO raised more than $200,000 for
Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters through KPHO’s
annual Pay It Forward Car Wash. As of 2015, the
event has raised more than $500,000 for Valley
Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Crisis Nursery
KPHO joined Salt River Fields for the Street
Eats Festival, benefiting Crisis Nursery. The
two-day food truck festival raised $30,000
for the organization.
HALO Animal Rescue
Through an on-air phone bank, the KPHO Pay
It Forward campaign has raised more than
$15,000 for HALO Animal Rescue.
As part of the campaign, the station promotes
animal adoptions. KPHO has found forever
homes for more than 85 homeless pets.
Christmas Angel
Gift of Giving Food Drive
KTVK’s Gift of Giving Holiday Food Drive, in
conjunction with Fry’s Food Stores statewide,
collected $170,000 and 50,000 pounds of nonperishable donations for Arizona food banks.
In the Portland area, one in four children lives
in poverty. Since September is Hunger Action
Month, KPTV/KPDX draw attention to the
community issue with a month-long food drive
benefitting the Oregon Food Bank. The stations
back these efforts with news coverage and
broadcast and digital promotions.
KTVK and Arizona Humane Society raise
funds to provide shelter and life-saving
services for the state’s homeless and injured
animal population.
FOX 12 Toy Drive
The four-week campaign culminates in a
live two-hour telethon on KTVK. The 2014
campaign raised $525,000 for the Arizona
Humane Society.
Each year, KPTV/KPDX hold a month-long
holiday toy drive, collecting thousands of
new toys to distribute to more than 130 local
children’s charities.
WHNS
ATLANTA, GA
GREENVILLE, SC
Relay for Life
Angel Tree
American Heart Association
WGCL provides news coverage for Angel Tree,
The Salvation Army’s holiday initiative to
provide children with Christmas presents by
having individuals and groups purchase their
gifts. With the help of the station’s efforts,
12,000 angels were adopted by corporations;
300 angels were adopted online; employees
adopted 50 angels; and more than 1,500
angels were adopted in the area’s seven malls.
Last year, 4,700 families received Christmas
assistance through the program.
In 2014, WHNS became the exclusive TV-media
partner of the Greenville area’s American Heart
Association (AHA). WHNS helped spearhead
important community efforts, including the Go
Red for Women campaign.
WNEM
FLINT/SAGINAW, MI
Keep Genesee County Beautiful
For almost 10 years, WNEM has been part of a
partnership with other area businesses to plant
gardens in underserved areas as part of
the program.
KPTV/KPDX host and promote an annual
telethon for the Children’s Cancer Association.
The stations also support the organization’s
annual car raffle and fundraiser, Hearts of Joy.
Over the past four years, the stations have
helped Children’s Cancer Association raise
nearly $2.5 million.
FOX 12 Food Drive
Summer to Save Lives
WGCL
Children’s Cancer Association
The station’s partnership with the AHA led
to the largest attendance in event history for
the Upstate Heart Ball, a charitable auction
aimed at increasing the survival rate of
children with heart disease.
WHNS also drove record-breaking attendance
and fundraising for Greenville’s annual AHA
Heart Walk.
Blue Star Mothers
WHNS and Publix joined together to support
Blue Star Mothers, an organization of service
members’ mothers, to collect care package
items and send them to troops overseas. The
effort collected and distributed more than 1,000
pounds of food and supplies.
The second year (2014) of WHNS’s partnership
with the American Cancer Society saw the
greatest number of participants in the Upstate
area’s Relay for Life. Prior to the event, WHNS
launched an aggressive social media promotion,
plus on-air spots, in an effort to increase the
number of attendees. WHNS covered the Relay
for Life, and station talent made appearances.
United Way
Along with sponsoring the United Way
Hands On Greenville Day project, WHNS
promoted event awareness and contributed
community service hours from its employees.
The station also raised close to $10,000 in
employee contributions through the United
Way’s 2014 fundraising campaign. In addition
to fundraising, WHNS supports United Way
initiatives, including Be a Bunny and Tools for
Schools, projects in which employees put together
Easter baskets and backpacks, respectively, for
students at underprivileged schools.
EMPLOYMENT
HUMAN RESOURCES
Human Resources
At Meredith, our employees are our most important resource. We seek
employees who embody and live values such as integrity, creativity, courage,
initiative, passion, energy, teamwork and respect for others. We favor an
entrepreneurial style and reward excellent achievement. We’re not only
concerned about the end result of an employee’s work, but how he or she
achieved it and worked with others along the way.
When interviewing candidates for employment at Meredith, we use “targeted
selection,” a behavioral-based interview technique. This approach, along with
others that focus on an applicant's professional and technical expertise and
commitment to our core values, ensures that every employee selected fits
the competency requirements of the role he or she is pursuing. During the
interview process, applicants are asked questions that explore cultural fit in
areas such as collaboration, innovation, relationship building and judgment.
These competency areas can be tied back to our core values and culture.
A Successful Start
with Meredith
A strong start is essential to success at Meredith. Besides common practices, some
of the programs we have in place for new employees include:
• A new employee orientation program called the Meredith Insider. It includes
a welcome video, a set of self-directed informational video modules, and a
formal buddy program that pairs the new employee with someone outside of
his or her department to serve as a guide and mentor.
• Welcome letters from the Meredith Diversity/Inclusion committee to engage
new employees and tell them about associated volunteer opportunities.
• A new manager assimilation program that helps new managers define
expectations for their employees, which enables these new relationships to be
effective and efficient as quickly as possible.
Competitive
Compensation
Competitive compensation is a Meredith cornerstone, and we have strong
policies in place to ensure the well-being of our employees.
• We offer a competitive 401k plan with a company match and no vesting
requirement, PLUS a qualified and non-qualified pension plan. Pension
plans are offered by fewer than 50 percent of Fortune 100 companies, but
the combination of a 401k and pension plan and employee stock purchase
plan is especially rare. More than 90 percent of employees participate in our
401k plan.
• We offer special compensation programs as warranted. For example, in
2010, Meredith offered a two percent additional 401k contribution based on
achieving company-wide financial targets. Also in the past, Meredith offered
a higher merit pool for hourly employees, which addressed the issue of
equity between employees and managers.
• We deliver a total rewards package (pay and benefits) to attract, retain
and motivate our employees. Our pay programs are competitive and are
designed to recognize and reward individual performance.
EMPLOYMENT
Human Resources,
cont.
• We participate annually in industry surveys to benchmark our programs
and ensure overall pay levels are commensurate with the marketplace.
Strategic Performance
Management
Meredith uses a performance management system that focuses on goal setting
and annual reviews. Employees are evaluated on job-related performance
standards that are applied fairly and reasonably. Demonstrated successful
performance is rewarded with appropriate increases in pay and promotional
opportunities, when they arise.
2014 Pro Patria Award
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented Meredith
Corporation with its Pro Patria Award, the highest level award that
may be bestowed by a state ESGR committee. To receive the award, a
company must demonstrate the greatest support to Guard and Reserve
through its leadership and practices, including adopting personnel
policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National
Guard and Reserves.
Wellness
Meredith has an extensive and award-winning wellness program that is
available to employees and their spouse/domestic partner. It includes initiatives
related to physical wellness, stress management and financial wellness.
The Wellness Committee’s mission statement...
“Meredith is committed to the health and well-being of its employees.
The Health and Wellness program helps employees and families live more
productive, happier, healthier lives leading to an enjoyable retirement.”
Founded by CEO Steve Lacy in 2006, its goals are to engage employees and
spouses/domestic partners to lower health risks; actively manage and offer
support to employees with elevated health risks; and develop employees to
become proactive and savvy consumers of healthcare.
All senior executives participate in the program and encourage their teams to
do so. In 2014, over 98 percent of Meredith employees and spouses/domestic
partners participated in the wellness program.
Employees and their insured spouse/domestic partner gain access to Meredith
medical plan options and receive the lowest contribution rates by completing
an annual wellness screening, health-risk assessment questionnaire,
EMPLOYMENT
Wellness, cont.
preventive exams, wellness campaigns and lifestyle coaching programs.
In 2010, Meredith expanded the wellness program to include financial
wellness. The comprehensive program focuses on financial education and
literacy. Financial workshops are offered throughout the year and cover topics
such as employee benefits, healthcare, retirement planning, taxes, saving for
life events and holiday budgeting.
We formally recognize participants who have made significant lifestyle changes
or taken leadership roles in promoting the wellness program and encouraging
others to get involved. Award recipients are recognized in a ceremony in front
of their peers.
We have leveraged technology to engage participants and to make campaigns
inspiring, fun, interactive and easy. Participants can watch wellness seminars;
complete a nutrition education campaign; begin the tobacco cessation program;
engage with a wellness coach; and apply for wellness reimbursements. The site
is linked to payroll, so as campaigns are completed and incentives are earned
and redeemed, employees see dollars added to their next paycheck.
Meredith has won numerous national wellness awards, including but not
limited to:
• Platinum-Level Well Workplace designation from the Wellness
Council of America
• Platinum-Level Fit Friendly Worksite award from the American
Heart Association
• “Well Deserved” Leadership Award from UnitedHealthcare
•
Promising Practices award from the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
• Silver-Level Bike Friendly Business award from the League of
American Bicyclists
•
Healthiest Employer from the Business Record Iowa & Iowa Association
of Business & Industry
In Des Moines, all employees and their spouse or domestic partner have access
EMPLOYMENT
Wellness, cont.
to a free 24-hour fitness center and more than 200 exercise classes each month.
In addition, an on-site medical office is available during regular business hours.
Meredith also partners with Raccoon Forks Farm, a community-supported
agriculture (CSA) program in the Des Moines area. The CSA provides employees
with fresh, organic, locally grown vegetables and eggs on scheduled dates from
spring through fall.
Recently, Meredith headquarters launched a pilot program with Hy-Vee grocery
store to provide employees with healthy dinners for their families. Once a week,
employees can order a four-person meal to pick up at the end of the workday.
Hy-Vee brings the dinner orders to Meredith so employees can pick them up
on site.
We added career-related workshops to the canon of wellness course offerings.
These workshops address subjects such as motivation and change and making
work conducive to well-being.
Beth Ann Gailey / KMOV St.
Employees inLouis
Healthy Category
% of Employees in Healthy Category
(less than 3 Health Risks)
100%
(Fewer than three Health Risks)
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
2007 2008 2009 2010
2011
2012
2013 2014
Year
2015 Lifestyle Change Award Recipient
Beth Ann Gailey
KMOV St. Louis
Beth Ann’s co-workers say that she is a leading example of how determination and hard work
can pay off in improving health. Beth Ann started her weight loss journey in 2013 after she
saw a surprising number on the scale at the doctor’s office. Since then, she has lost 65 pounds
and maintained her goal by mixing up her exercise routine, eating healthfully and tracking her
progress. Beth Ann brings the excitement she feels about her lifestyle changes to work with her,
encouraging colleagues to join her efforts. She and her co-workers take exercise breaks to walk
stairs, do sit-ups and participate in other healthy activities. Beth Ann has inspired the entire
station with her transformation. Click here for more detail about her lifestyle change.
EMPLOYMENT
Diversity and Inclusion
Meredith believes in and strives for an environment based on respect for
all individuals and provides equal employment opportunity to all people,
regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, religion, age, disability,
sexual orientation, marital status, military service or any other characteristic.
Meredith values a diverse workforce.
We want every single employee—no matter what background or culture—to
feel welcome and valued at Meredith. The goal of our diversity/inclusion
program is to increase awareness and create greater appreciation
and understanding among our employees of all backgrounds and cultures.
Meredith’s diversity/inclusion committee has focused its work in the areas of
education, events, and community support and involvement. The committee
surveyed employees at the start of the diversity/inclusion program in 2011,
and again in 2015. The survey responses guide the diversity/inclusion activities
the committee offers. Following are some examples of projects the committee
has undertaken:
•
Initiating a passport program in which employees earn stamps by
attending or volunteering at diversity and inclusion events. Stamps are
redeemable for cash in the Meredith cafeteria.
•
Hosting a Greater Des Moines Partnership Multicultural Reception.
•
Hosting a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day that included showing
the “I Have a Dream” speech, followed by a panel discussion featuring a
local leader who marched with Dr. King. The program opened with a song
about Dr. King, written by one of our employees.
•
Hosting a concert by Des Moines Roosevelt High School Bridges 2 Harmony
Gospel Choir.
•
Sponsoring local multicultural events such as the Latino Heritage Festival,
CelebrAsian and the World Food and Music Festival.
EMPLOYMENT
Diversity and Inclusion, cont.
•
Financially supporting and walking in the Capital City Pride Parade, as well
as hosting Pride-education forums.
•
Creating a holiday traditions poster campaign to highlight the many
diverse holidays employees celebrate.
•
Hosting a holiday reception highlighting the traditions of many different
cultures, with music provided by the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus.
•
Initiating the Meredith Inspires speaker series in New York.
We want every single
employee—no matter what
background or culture—
to feel welcome and
valued at Meredith.

Corporate Social Responsibility Report

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