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Tony Morrison Departs GLAAD, Launches Media Company (EXCLUSIVE)

In a significant development for the media and entertainment industry, Tony Morrison, a seasoned executive with a track record of advocating for diversity and inclusion, has been named the new president of GLAAD, the prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for GLAAD as it continues to champion representation and equality in media, while Morrison simultaneously launches his own venture, the Morrison Media Group, a consultancy aimed at fostering inclusive storytelling and strategic partnerships across various sectors.

Tony Morrison's appointment as GLAAD's president comes at a time when the organization is navigating an evolving cultural and political landscape. GLAAD, founded in 1985, has long been a driving force in ensuring fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of the LGBTQ+ community in entertainment, news, and digital media. Morrison steps into this role with a wealth of experience, having previously served in high-profile positions at major entertainment companies and advocacy groups. His expertise lies in bridging the gap between creative industries and social impact, making him a fitting choice to lead GLAAD into its next chapter. Morrison succeeds Sarah Kate Ellis, who led the organization for a decade, during which GLAAD expanded its global reach and influence through initiatives like the GLAAD Media Awards and the annual "Where We Are on TV" report, which tracks LGBTQ+ representation in television.

Morrison's vision for GLAAD centers on amplifying the organization's mission to accelerate acceptance and equality through storytelling. He emphasizes the power of media as a tool for change, noting that narratives in film, television, and digital platforms have the potential to shift public perception and dismantle stereotypes. Under his leadership, GLAAD is expected to deepen its partnerships with content creators, studios, and networks to ensure that LGBTQ+ stories are told authentically and with nuance. Morrison has expressed a particular interest in addressing the underrepresentation of marginalized groups within the broader LGBTQ+ community, such as transgender individuals and people of color, whose stories are often sidelined even within inclusive programming. He aims to push for intersectional representation that reflects the diversity of lived experiences, ensuring that media does not merely check boxes but genuinely engages with complex identities.

Beyond his role at GLAAD, Morrison is also embarking on an entrepreneurial journey with the launch of the Morrison Media Group. This consultancy is designed to serve as a strategic partner for organizations seeking to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into their core operations. The Morrison Media Group will offer services ranging from content development to corporate training, with a focus on helping clients navigate the complexities of inclusive storytelling. Morrison envisions the group as a bridge between advocacy and industry, providing actionable insights for companies that want to align their brands with social progress without resorting to tokenism or performative gestures. The consultancy will work with a variety of sectors, including entertainment, advertising, and corporate communications, to create campaigns and content that resonate with diverse audiences while maintaining authenticity.

One of the key pillars of the Morrison Media Group is its commitment to fostering collaborations that prioritize underrepresented voices. Morrison has highlighted the importance of elevating creators and storytellers from marginalized communities, ensuring they have a seat at the table in decision-making processes. This approach aligns with his broader philosophy of empowerment through visibility, a theme that also underpins his work at GLAAD. By launching this venture alongside his presidency, Morrison is positioning himself as a dual force in the industry—both as a leader of a major advocacy organization and as an independent consultant driving systemic change through tailored solutions.

Morrison's dual roles reflect a growing trend in the entertainment and media sectors, where leaders are increasingly blending advocacy with entrepreneurship to address systemic inequities. His background equips him uniquely for this challenge. Having worked in environments where DEI initiatives often face resistance or are implemented superficially, Morrison understands the barriers to meaningful change. He has spoken candidly about the need for accountability in the industry, urging companies to move beyond public statements of support and invest in long-term strategies that yield tangible results. At GLAAD, he plans to leverage data-driven approaches, such as the organization’s research on media representation, to hold networks and studios accountable for their portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters and themes.

Furthermore, Morrison is keenly aware of the current political climate, where LGBTQ+ rights are under scrutiny in various parts of the world. He has articulated a sense of urgency in countering narratives that seek to marginalize or vilify the community, particularly through media that can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Under his leadership, GLAAD is likely to intensify its efforts to combat misinformation and advocate for policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals, while also working to ensure that positive, affirming stories reach wide audiences. Morrison believes that media can serve as both a mirror and a window—reflecting the realities of the community while offering others a glimpse into lives they might not otherwise understand.

The launch of the Morrison Media Group also signals Morrison’s intent to address DEI challenges beyond the entertainment sphere. He recognizes that corporate culture plays a significant role in shaping societal attitudes, and his consultancy aims to guide businesses in creating inclusive workplaces and messaging. This includes training programs that educate employees on unconscious bias, as well as strategies for marketing that avoid cultural insensitivity. Morrison’s holistic approach underscores his belief that change must be multi-faceted, addressing both the stories we tell and the environments in which those stories are created.

As he steps into these dual roles, Morrison remains grounded in his personal commitment to advocacy. He has shared that his own journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community informs his work, driving him to create spaces where others can feel seen and valued. His leadership style is described as collaborative and empathetic, with a focus on building coalitions that amplify impact. At GLAAD, he plans to work closely with staff, board members, and external partners to refine the organization’s strategic priorities, ensuring it remains a relevant and powerful voice in an ever-changing media landscape.

In the broader context of the industry, Morrison’s appointment and entrepreneurial venture come at a time when the demand for authentic representation is higher than ever. Audiences are increasingly vocal about their desire for stories that reflect the diversity of the world around them, and companies are under pressure to respond. Morrison’s work, both at GLAAD and through the Morrison Media Group, positions him as a key player in meeting this demand, guiding the industry toward a future where inclusion is not an afterthought but a fundamental principle.

Looking ahead, Morrison’s tenure at GLAAD and the growth of his consultancy will likely serve as a litmus test for the viability of combining advocacy with business innovation. His ability to balance these roles while driving measurable progress will be closely watched by peers and stakeholders alike. For now, his appointment is being hailed as a step forward for GLAAD, an organization that has long been at the forefront of cultural change. With Morrison at the helm, there is renewed optimism about the potential for media to not only entertain but also educate and unite, fostering a world where everyone’s story matters.

In conclusion, Tony Morrison’s new roles as president of GLAAD and founder of the Morrison Media Group represent a bold and ambitious effort to reshape the media landscape. Through his leadership, he aims to champion authentic representation, challenge systemic inequities, and build bridges between advocacy and industry. His dual focus on storytelling and strategic consulting underscores a comprehensive approach to inclusion, one that seeks to transform both the narratives we see on screen and the structures behind them. As he embarks on this journey, Morrison carries with him the hopes of a community eager for change, as well as the responsibility to turn those hopes into reality.

Read the Full Variety Article at:
[ https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/tony-morrison-glaad-morrison-media-group-exclusive-1236463232/ ]