In this March 18, 2014 file photo, author and co-executive producer George R. R. Martin attends the "Game of Thrones" fourth season premiere in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) --
The author of the series that inspired HBO's "Game of Thrones" has another television adaptation in the works.
George R. R. Martin announced on his blog that the TV rights to "Wild Cards," the graphic novel anthologies he edits, have been acquired by Universal Cable Productions.
The company, which is part of NBCUniversal, posted on Twitter Monday that it is excited to develop the material into a series.
Martin says "Wild Cards" assistant editor Melinda M. Snodgrass will serve as executive producer of the show.
The 22-book series centers on the survivors of a fictional alien virus that struck New York City in 1946, deforming some and providing extraordinary power to others. A 23rd volume is due later this month. Martin says development of the TV series will begin immediately.
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
