This image released by ABC shows Roseanne Barr, left, and John Goodman in a scene from the comedy series "Roseanne." (Adam Rose/ABC via AP)
NEW YORK (AP) --
Expect "Roseanne" to cool it on politics and concentrate on family stories when it returns for the second season of its revival next year.
That's the word from ABC Entertainment chief Channing Dungey as she introduced the network's plans for next year on Tuesday. The show's return exceeded all expectations this spring, with the support of Roseanne Barr's character for President Donald Trump attracting attention.
Dungey noted that as the first season went on, the focus shifted from politics to family. She said that direction will continue next season.
ABC is bringing back its "TGIF" Friday comedy schedule in the fall, and Alec Baldwin will star in a Sunday-night talk show.
Pepsi soft drinks in plastic bottles are on sale at a grocery store in New York on Weds., Nov. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
PepsiCo confirmed Friday that it's ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even as rival Coca-Cola voiced support for its own inclusion efforts.
In a memo sent to employees, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base. The company will also align its sponsorships to events and groups that promote business growth, he said.
Laguarta wrote that inclusion remains important to PepsiCo, whose brands include Gatorade, Lay's potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi. The Purchase, New York-based company's chief diversity officer will transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement, leadership development and ensuring an inclusive culture, he said.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last month, U.S. government agencies, companies and schools have rushed to reevaluate policies and programs they adopted with the goal of reducing discrimination against members of minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people.
Trump ended DEI programs within the federal government and has warned schools to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money.
PepsiCo's rollback came as Coca-Cola reaffirmed support for its DEI efforts.
In its annual report, Atlanta-based Coke warned that its business could be negatively affected if it is unable to attract employees that reflect its broad range of customers.
"Failure to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion … could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and our future success," the company said.
Coca-Cola has set a goal of having women in 50% of its senior leadership roles by... Read More
