In this Oct. 12, 2013 file photo, actors Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny attend "The Truth Is Here: David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson on The X-Files" at The Paley Center for Media, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) --
NBC is taking the bold step of adding an online binge-viewing option to a high-profile new drama.
The network announced Thursday that all 13 episodes of "Aquarius," starring David Duchovny, will be available online after the drama's two-hour NBC premiere.
NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt said the unprecedented move acknowledges viewer interest in watching TV episodes at will.
The series, set in Los Angeles in the 1960s, is described as historical fiction. Duchovny plays a police officer confronting social change and the growing menace of criminal Charles Manson.
"Aquarius" will remain on digital platforms including NBC.com for four weeks after its May 28 broadcast debut. Meanwhile, NBC will follow the traditional pattern of airing a new episode weekly.
Commercial interruptions will be limited on the air and online, NBC said.
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 โฆ 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
