This image released by HBO shows John Oliver, host of "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver." HBO says it has renewed the show for three additional seasons. (Eric Liebowitz/HBO via AP)
NEW YORK (AP) --
"Last Week Tonight" is going to last a few years longer. HBO says it has renewed "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" for three additional seasons. This would carry it through at least 2020, with 30 shows presented each season.
The show takes a satirical look at the past week's news, politics and other happenings, as well as addressing broader issues. It debuted in 2014 and is in its fourth season.
This year it is nominated for eight prime-time Emmy Awards.
In a statement, HBO programming president Casey Bloys spoke of Oliver's "extraordinary genius for rich and intelligent commentary."
Oliver responded, "I firmly disagree with everything Casey just said."
"Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" airs Sundays at 11 p.m. Eastern.
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
