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2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 02 A Message From A Message From Rupert Murdoch Robert Thomson The past year has been a challenge for every person on our planet and for the planet itself. Welcome to our inaugural Environment, Social and Governance Report. While the report There is a delicate balance in the economy, in society and in the environment, and we all may be the first of its kind, News Corp has a long history of contribution to communities, have both opportunities and responsibilities as we navigate a future that sometimes seems to cultures and to countries through extensive philanthropy, thoughtful governance, fraught and fragile. environmental initiatives and an empathetic social sensibility. What gives me optimism is the unceasing effort by our employees at News Corp to Even though ESG imperatives have always been an essential part of our character, we have provide valuable news, information and entertainment, while advancing environmental, formalized our programs by creating an ESG Steering Committee and establishing a new social and governance goals. Every individual plays a familial and societal role, and there role of Global Director of ESG Initiatives, complementing the heightened oversight of the is no doubt that our employees are making significant contributions, seen and unseen, to News Corp Board. We are certainly not complacent, but are confident that we will continue their communities. to develop world-leading initiatives and contribute to the ongoing contest of ideas. There is much debate about the meaning of ESG. There are differing interpretations by A vigorous debate is crucial to the development of sound, sustainable policies, whether different companies and certainly varying levels of commitment. I have always wanted our governmental, corporate or personal. One sign of the company’s leadership is that we were company to set the highest standards in every respect and we want those standards to be the first North America-based media business to set a science-based emissions target. Our measurable and measured — we are not content with vaguely expressed good intentions or ambitious transition to digital has patently reduced our emissions, and we are well on track with ambiguous metrics. for the long-term goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 — for example, between fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2020 we realized a 30% reduction in direct and indirect emissions. To that end, we have formalized the Board of Directors’ oversight of ESG matters through its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and we created this The pandemic has been a stress-test of every company’s culture. Across the globe, we have inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance Report to chronicle our progress and introduced comprehensive programs to assist in protecting and enhancing the physical and increase awareness of ESG priorities within our company and beyond. mental health of our more than 20,000 employees. Our employee and executive teams are increasingly diverse, meaning that we must be thoughtful in meeting differing needs and We are acutely conscious of our responsibility to shareholders and to our communities. expectations to ensure maximum inclusivity and a robust culture. Each of us has a profound role not only as a contemporary custodian, but as a custodian of the future. We appreciate the increased emphasis on ESG transparency, as that intensified scrutiny is in itself an impetus for positive change. We are proud of the many, varied and valuable contributions made by our staff not only to the company, but to their communities and to their countries. And we will strive collectively to be true to our fervently held aspiration to be a passionate, a principled and a purposeful News Corp. Rupert Murdoch Robert Thomson Executive Chairman Chief Executive MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 03 About News Corp SELECTED AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS News Corporation (Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) is a global, diversified media and information services company focused on Corporate creating and distributing authoritative and engaging content and other products and services. The Company comprises businesses across a range • CDP Climate: A- of media, including: digital real estate services,[1] subscription video services in Australia, news and information services, and book publishing. Headquartered in New York, News Corp operates primarily in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, and its content and other • CDP Forest: B products and services are distributed and consumed worldwide. Dow Jones • Working Mother 100 Best Companies Award and Best Companies for Dads HarperCollins • Disability Confident Employer • 2020 Top 75 Social Mobility Index News UK • Chief Commercial Officer Dominic Carter named EMpower Top 20 Ethnic Minority Executive Role Model realtor.com® • 2020 Best CEO, Best Company — Work-Life Balance, and Best Company — Professional Development (Comparably) News Corp Australia • #LetHerSpeak campaign won the June Andrews Award for Women’s Leadership in Media at the 2021 Mid-Year Walkley Awards [1] REA Group Limited, a majority owned but separately listed public company, also reports on ESG matters through their Sustainability Report. MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 04 Our ESG Mission FOCUS AREAS ENVIRONMENT At News Corp, as we strive to educate, enlighten and entertain people around the world, we believe in protecting the environment, • Climate Change pursuing strong governance practices, achieving a more diverse, • Waste & Circular Economy equitable, inclusive and engaged workforce, and contributing to the communities in which we live and work. OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE Through our sustainability policies, diversity, equity & inclusion practices, and philanthropic contributions, we aim to have a positive • Our People impact on all our employees, shareholders, customers and audiences. • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Effective stewardship of our social purpose has always been core • Talent Attraction, Training & Development to our mission, given how much all our stakeholders depend on the trusted and valuable services our businesses provide to the public on • Compensation & Benefits a daily basis, and it is essential to our long-term success. • Health, Safety & Wellness • Trusted News & Information This year, News Corp has sharpened our focus on ESG by: • Community Engagement & Philanthropy • Formalizing Board oversight of ESG matters through the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. GOVERNANCE • Centralizing management of ESG issues through a cross-functional ESG Steering Committee. • Ethics & Compliance • Risk Management • Creating a new role of Global Director of ESG Initiatives, • Public Policy who reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer, who in turn reports to the Chief Executive. • Data Protection & Privacy • Supply Chain • Expanding consideration of ESG objectives in our executive officers’ incentive compensation. • Publishing our inaugural ESG report. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE NEWS CORP BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHIEF EXECUTIVE ESG STEERING COMMITTEE Chief Human Resources Officer (Chair) GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF ESG INITIATIVES MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 05 COVID-19 Response While the COVID-19 pandemic has irrevocably changed business and our businesses in expediting pre-existing digital trends, challenging established practices and prompting introspection about work habits and the workplace itself, News Corp has continued its mission to provide communities with the news and information, enlightenment, and entertainment that are in such great and growing demand. Throughout the pandemic, there has been much agility and adaptation at News Corp. The vast majority of our employees across the world have been working from home, and the resilience of the Company’s culture has been a core component in continuity. Digitization has accelerated — and all of our businesses have responded with customary ingenuity. Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, we have supported our communities, customers, employees, shareholders and other constituents in numerous ways. Supporting our employees has been a top priority. We immediately formed a COVID Task Force and enlisted the expertise of a Chief Medical Officer. We implemented strict infection control protocols and risk-based management plans, based on the latest guidance. As of the end of fiscal 2021, all of our businesses continued to operate remotely or in a hybrid model, while publishing operations at Dow Jones, the New York Post, News Corp Australia and News UK maintained full capacity printing and distribution services. We continued implementing cost-savings initiatives across our businesses and accelerating our digital transformation, including through the transition of certain newspaper operations to digital-only. We amplified benefits and support services provided to employees, The Sun’s Jabs Army reader campaign recruited over 60,000 volunteers to assist with COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the U.K. expanding existing and establishing new programs, including physical and mental health support and caregiving and virtual professional development resources. To help foster culture and connection The Times and Sunday Times Christmas Charity Appeal raised over £3 million — the largest sum in in a remote work environment, we launched a virtual events series the paper’s history of reader campaigns — to support causes impacted by COVID-19, including drawing on the unique talents and expertise of our employees. As a £2 million donation to FareShare to provide food to vulnerable families. The Sun raised over £1 the world continues to grapple with this unprecedented event, we million for NHS Charities Together to support health workers and, through its Jabs Army campaign, will continue to monitor cases, vaccination rates and recommended recruited 60,000 volunteers to facilitate the national roll-out of vaccinations. safety protocols to inform our response. The Dow Jones Foundation established a $100,000 COVID-19 Relief Fund to make grants We maintained our commitment to cybersecurity by providing The New York Post leveraged their print and digital platforms for philanthropic to organizations working directly on COVID-19 relief or disproportionately impacted by the our employees with guidance on working securely from home, support campaigns in partnership with Mount Sinai Hospital, the Ad Council and pandemic. HarperCollins provided aid to bookstores during the pandemic by sponsoring the Book ensuring all users continued to have access through our approved FDNY, among others. Industry Charitable Foundation. The New York Post was recognized for its “Hero of the Day” VPN solutions, and raising awareness of COVID-related scams series highlighting the hard work of frontline workers during the pandemic. and phishing attempts and how to avoid them. News Corp Australia partnered with Feed Appeal on the “Fill the Pantry” food relief campaign For our audiences and communities, we shared valuable and timely news and information, including expanded access raising A$1.5 million, donated over A$1 million in community service announcements to to essential COVID-19 coverage as well as entertainment that helps inspire and connect people while sheltering in place. support the community during the pandemic, and launched a “Call to Arms” appeal to encourage vaccinations, publishing over 700 articles across its national news network. The Daily Telegraph united with other News Corp Australia news titles in a network-wide campaign to encourage Australians to get vaccinated. MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 06 Environment Our Science-Based At News Corp, we are driven by a clear purpose to contribute meaningfully to society by minimizing our environmental impact, Targets growing sustainably and inspiring others to take action. In 2020, News Corp signed SBTi’s Pledge for Business Ambition for 1.5°C, which included committing to goals in line with the Paris Agreement’s most stringent standards: OUR GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the • 60% reduction of operational (Scopes 1 + 2) Board receives reports on the GEI as part of its oversight of ESG Our Global Environmental Initiative (GEI), the company’s emissions by fiscal 2030. matters. We expect all News Corp employees and contractors to act The 4.1 MW system at Dow Jones’ Princeton, NJ campus is one of the largest solar power comprehensive sustainability program, has been in place since our in accordance with the environmental, health and safety expectations installations at a single commercial site in the U.S. • 20% reduction of Scope 3 emissions inception as a public company in 2013, as we recognized early the set forth in our Standards of Business Conduct. by fiscal 2030. importance of having a robust environmental strategy. In fact, • a long-term goal of achieving net zero News Corp was the first North America-based media company CLIMATE CHANGE emissions by fiscal 2050. to commit to science-based targets to limit global temperature rise. In 2014, News Corp conducted a scenario analysis to better LEARN MORE These goals, measured against a fiscal 2016 base understand our climate-related risks and opportunities and inform year, replace our previous SBTi goal of reducing Our program’s three pillars are: our climate strategy going forward. The assessment revealed risks Scope 1 and 2 emissions 25% by 2025 — a goal Global Environmental Initiative related to carbon pricing, cost of raw materials, changes to weather we exceeded six years early, in fiscal 2019. • REDUCE our operational carbon footprint 60% by fiscal 2030, Fiscal 2020 Carbon Footprint Report patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events, and achieve net zero carbon emissions by fiscal 2050 and reach shifts in stakeholder expectations, as well as opportunities related In October 2021, HarperCollins Publishers zero waste (90% or greater waste diversion from landfills and 2021 CDP Climate Change Response announced its global commitment to becoming to resource efficiency, supply chain resiliency, increased demand incinerators) across our major sites by fiscal 2025. carbon neutral for its direct operational 2021 CDP Forests Response and potential partnerships involving sustainable goods and services and employee attraction and retention. This work has informed our emissions in 2022, an effort that will contribute • ENGAGE our customers, employees and suppliers on News UK Environment to NewsCorp’s updated SBTi goals. sustainability outcomes, and continue our partnerships with the climate strategy and has been crucial in formulating our ambitious Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) and Carbon Disclosure Dow Jones Green climate and emissions goals. Project (CDP). HarperGreen Our significant progress on our climate change goals has been • SOURCE responsibly 100% of our globally purchased paper HarperCollins UK Sustainability accelerated by News Corp’s strategy to shift to digital. Each year from certified sustainable forest sources by 2025, reduce our we measure and publicly report the carbon footprint of our global supply chain carbon emissions by 20% by 2030 and power our operations. This work has been overseen by third-party experts at operations with clean energy where feasible. Deloitte and independently verified by Cventure LLC. In fiscal 2020, ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES News Corp generated a carbon footprint of 143,342 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), a reduction of 30% from our Our Global Head of Sustainability oversees a committee of fiscal 2016 base year and 7% from the previous year.[1] For more leaders from each of our businesses responsible for driving the Global Waste Management Policy details, please see our Fiscal 2020 Carbon Footprint Report. program, setting business unit goals and strategy, managing local Global Paper Sourcing Policy program implementation, and overseeing policies in support of our environmental goals. News Corp’s Global Head of Government News Corp Environmental Policy Affairs, who reports to the Chief Executive, has direct responsibility Carbon footprint does not include reductions due to purchases of energy generated [1] for our GEI program. from clean power sources. MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 07 Our significant OPERATIONAL CARBON EMISSIONS BY ACTIVITY (METRIC TONS CO 2e) 250,000 progress on our climate 4,349 873 4,079 200,000 1,385 4,044 184,274 4,161 change goals has been 739 165,307 4,358 948 553 150,000 145,737 133,565 124,702 100,000 accelerated by News 50,000 Corp’s strategy to shift to digital. Each year 14,208 15,212 14,429 14,785 13,729 0 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 TRANSPORT FUEL REFRIGERANTS ELECTRICITY & STEAM OTHER FUEL In fiscal 2021, we continued to improve transparency by performing a comprehensive review of and disclosing our Scope 3 emissions in our Fiscal 2020 Carbon Footprint Report. We are on track to achieve • Continuing to improve transparency by performing a comprehensive review of and disclosing our supply chain Scope 3 emissions. we measure and publicly report the our fiscal 2030 Scope 3 reduction goal due to our increased focus on digital news/publishing products, our cloud service providers • REA Group achieving an improved MSCI ESG rating of A. increasing their use of renewable energy and our efforts to review • REA Group publishing its first climate change policy and carbon footprint of our major suppliers for supplier-specific emission factors. being certified Carbon Neutral by the Australian Government’s As a result of rigorous and transparent measurement, improvements Climate Active program. in operational efficiency, investments in renewable energy and • Dow Jones saving nearly $5 million in electricity costs and global operations. engagement with our customers, employees, suppliers and partners on sustainability outcomes, News Corp has reduced reducing carbon emissions in the community by over 35,000 tons our environmental impact, saved millions of dollars across our since 2011 through solar power at its New Jersey offices. operations and supply chain, and been recognized by third parties as • Saving approximately 11.5 million pounds of greenhouse gas a corporate leader. Some key environmental achievements include: emissions each year, by extending our partnership between • Achieving a leadership score of A- for our 2020 CDP Climate HarperCollins and a key paper supplier to source 100% Change Response, which compares to a global average score of post-consumer waste recycled paper. C across the 9,600 reporting companies. • HarperCollins UK printing 99% of its books on Forest • Achieving a score of A- as a “Supplier Engagement Leader” Stewardship Council certified material since 2019. for 2020 from CDP. • HarperCollins reducing its energy consumption by nearly • Reducing total costs associated with greenhouse gas emissions 30% over the past five years. to approximately $56 million in fiscal 2020, down ~18% from $68 million in fiscal 2016. MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 08 WASTE & CIRCULAR ECONOMY • Continuing participation in the CDP Forests annual reporting program. Our Global Waste Management Policy applies to every director, officer, employee and representative of News Corp and its • Respecting the traditional and civil rights of workers, indigenous majority-owned subsidiaries and divisions, and sets our standards for peoples and rural communities in our paper supply chain. waste reduction, circularity, treatment of e-waste and other efforts in support of achieving our zero waste goal. In calendar 2020, we • Recycling 100% of newsprint waste at our print centers. achieved a 93.2%[1] average diversions from landfill rate, supported by key initiatives across News Corp business units, including: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT • Continued recycling of waste newsprint, aluminum plates, News Corp regularly engages our stakeholders on sustainability cardboard, scrap metal, fluorescent bulbs, electronic waste outcomes, including through: and batteries at all print centers globally. • Collaborating with partners Progress at Times Earth is a new digital hub for news about our planet, climate change, sustainability • News UK removing 800 tons of plastic from its supply problems, initiatives and solutions. chain, and replacing poly-bagging of The Times and Sunday ◦ HarperCollins UK engages a supplier for mono books that News Corp Times supplements with a paper band. uses 100% renewable energy and recycles 99.9% of its waste. • Introducing reusable metal cups and compostable cutlery • Educating audiences Australia across all Dow Jones offices and plants. ◦ The Times’ “Clean Air for All” campaign, launched in 2019 93.2% with the aim of tackling Britain’s air pollution crisis and Australia has historically produced higher to demand the government take action to stop millions of emissions than other geographies due to the people breathing in dangerous levels of pollution. country’s reliance on electricity derived from coal. Environmental initiatives undertaken by ◦ The Times and Sunday Times launched their new News Corp Australia have resulted in a major AVERAGE DIVERSIONS FROM LANDFILL RATE IN 2020 Times Earth editorial channel on Earth Day 2021. contribution to our company’s overall progress. In fiscal 2020, total emissions at News Corp ◦ The Sun launched its “Green Team” campaign to encourage Australia decreased 27% from our fiscal 2016 base readers to make eco-friendly lifestyle changes. year and 7% from the previous year. News Corp Paper Sourcing Policy & Programs has announced the closing or transitioning to Through our Global Paper Sourcing Policy, we seek to work with ◦ The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s continue to provide digital of 100+ print titles in Australia. Closures of paper suppliers that share our commitment to responsible sourcing customers with actionable insights on the most sustainable 20 sites during fiscal 2020 have started to impact to ensure these products contain responsibly managed and harvested companies each year with their top 100 ranking editions. results, and significant reductions in fiscal 2021 wood fibers. Our commitments include: and beyond are expected. Remaining facilities are • Encouraging employee involvement transitioning to more energy efficient technology • Purchasing 100% of the paper used in our print publications pursuant to New Corp Australia’s Energy from mills whose forest management practices are certified by an ◦ The Dow Jones Green employee group saw a 50% increase Efficiency Roadmap. independent, internationally recognized forestry certification body. in employee membership this year. As part of its 1 Degree program, News Corp Australia has established environmental targets • Sourcing 100% of globally purchased publication paper from ◦ News UK launched a Sustainability Network for employees, that align with those of the company globally, certified, independent and internationally recognized forestry with the CFO as executive sponsor. including to reduce its carbon footprint by 5% certification bodies by 2025. annually, to reach a 60% reduction by 2030. News Corp Australia’s Chief People Officer will lead an environmental leadership group to oversee News Corp Australia’s initiatives under this program. [1] Based on absolute data for the majority of our sites worldwide; estimates were made where data was unavailable. Barron’s published its fourth annual ranking of the most sustainable companies in 2021. MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 09 Our Culture Diversity is a key focus for all of our business units’ & Purpose workforce-related efforts, from building teams to At News Corp, we recognize that the unique experiences and perspectives of employees across our various businesses are cultivating leaders, as we critical to creating brands and products that reflect a diversity of viewpoints and engage and inspire customers all over the world. strive to ensure that News OUR PEOPLE Diversity is a key focus for all of our business units’ workforce-related efforts, from building teams to cultivating leaders, as we strive to Corp is a great fit for every employee. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion ensure that News Corp is a great fit for every employee. Each of our Fostering an environment where all employees can feel valued, primary business units has DEI leadership that sits within the global included and empowered to bring great ideas to the table is Human Resources group. paramount at News Corp. We are committed to cultivating diversity and broadening the opportunity for inclusion across our businesses. Our Board of Directors oversees our commitment to DEI, including through the annual assessment of progress towards our DEI The company maintains a Corporate Diversity Statement, which objectives by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. describes our longstanding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) objectives and efforts. Specifically, our efforts focus on: LEARN MORE • Leading and managing inclusively — embracing different cultures, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at News Corp • Creating a work environment that fosters growth and advancement. Diversity and Inclusion at News UK Diversity and Inclusion at HarperCollins Publishers • Engaging with our audiences in ways that reflect and respect their unique perspectives and experiences. realtor.com® Careers News Corp Australia Diversity and Community Activity MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 10 WOMEN IN SENIOR LEADERSHIP [2] AWARDS & RECOGNITION FISCAL 2020 36% • HarperCollins UK, a Disability Confident employer, was recognized in the 2020 Top 75 Social Mobiltiy Index. FISCAL 2021 40% • Dow Jones won the Working Mother 100 Best Companies award for the previous five years, and the Best Companies for Dads award for two. Board Diversity The Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee • The National Council for the Training of Journalists seeks to promote diversity on the Board, including with respect to Employees at talkSPORT radio, the U.K.’s leading sports radio network. recognized News UK as a leader in diversity recruitment. professional background, experience, expertise, perspective, viewpoint, • realtor.com® was awarded 2020 Best Company age, gender, ethnicity and geographic location/country of citizenship. • realtor.com®’s recent expansion of its campus hiring strategy • Dow Jones’ Global Mentor Program provides skill-building Work-Life Balance by Comparably. The composition of our Board reflects the importance of diversity and sourcing channels, which includes military organization workshops spanning influential communication, building trust and to the Board. Our Directors are 33% female, include seven citizens partnerships and diverse job boards. inclusivity, job shadowing opportunities, “speed mentoring” with of countries other than the United States and three people who senior leaders from across the business and networking lunches. self-identify as Asian or Hispanic/Latinx, range in age from 41 • The Foxtel Group’s Women in Media Graduate Program, Fiscal 2021 Workforce Assessment to 90 (median age: 54), and bring to the boardroom a diversity of which recruits women to join company sectors with low female • HarperCollins’s mentorship programs include its WING backgrounds and expertise. representation such as technology and sports production. (Women’s Industry Network Group) for cross-mentoring high While we do not measure DEI results in solely quantitative terms, potential women to promote career progression. 50% our annual workforce assessment assists in evaluating progress • Dow Jones’ partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and and future areas of focus. Our fiscal 2021 assessment[1] revealed: Universities to develop a broad pipeline of highly qualified • REA University, a competency-aligned learning framework, diverse early career professionals. offers resources and courses aimed at helping REA employees • More than half of our HQ Leadership Team are women, and take control of their development, upskill in new technicalareas female representation among Senior Leadership[2] increased • News Corp Technology’s partnership with Girls Who Code and gain key soft skills for career growth. 4% over the prior year. OF OUR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS ARE FEMALE to help build a diverse talent pipeline and support the summer internship program’s female recruitment goal. • 52% of managers[3] in our U.S. workforce are women. Attracting Talent Training & Development [1] Fiscal 2020 and 2021 data measured as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, • Across our U.S. workforce, female and ethnic minority[4] respectively. For comparison purposes, fiscal 2020 data excludes businesses divested representation exceeded that among our industries.[5] News Corp’s ability to attract, develop and retain talented employees We invest significant resources in training and development since December 31, 2019. with skills and capabilities needed by our businesses is a key programs to enable the enhancement of skills and leadership Increasing our diverse representation will continue to be a priority. component of our long-term strategy. The capabilities of our abilities and engage and retain top talent. News Corp employees have [2] Senior Leadership comprises: Executive Chairman, Chief Executive, HQ Leadership workforce have continued to evolve along with our business goals, access to workshops, webinars and classes on a variety of topics, Team, primary Operating Company CEOs and the executives directly reporting to each WOMEN IN GLOBAL WORKFORCE including our accelerated focus on digital products and services. job-specific trainings, and other continuing education resources. of the foregoing. [3] Management Levels comprise: Executive Management (i.e., executives directly FISCAL 2020 Recruiting and retaining women and underrepresented minorities as News Corp’s employee development programs encompass reporting to News Corp’s CEO and the primary business unit CEOs), Senior Management 47% part of our global workforce is key to our strategy to cultivate the company-wide and business-unit-specific mentoring and networking (i.e., executives directly reporting to Executive Management) and Management best talent. Across News Corp, we have implemented programs to opportunities. Our Global Rising Leaders program supported FISCAL 2021 (i.e., executives directly reporting to Senior Management). source diverse talent and ensure equitable screening, interviewing career-planning goals for 150 emerging female leaders across our 48% and selection processes. Our business unit programs include: businesses through networking, virtual workshops and individual [4] EEO Ethnicity categories include Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, Asian, coaching. Examples of business unit programs: Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaska Native, Two or More. WOMEN IN U.S. WORKFORCE • News UK’s paid placement, apprenticeship and scholarship Source: U.S. Department of Labor-Bureau of Labor Statistics/2020, Labor Force Statistics programs for female sports writers and Muslim writers, which • The Foxtel Group’s Fox Squad offers regular forums to engage, from the Current Population Survey, Employed persons by detailed industry, sex, race, and FISCAL 2020 have opened doors for over 100 aspiring journalists. inspire and develop women at the company. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. 48% • News Corp Australia and The Foxtel Group’s partnership with • News UK’s mentorship program includes a new Mentorship [5] Selected U.S. Information industry groups relevant to our businesses include: FISCAL 2021 CareerTrackers to provide internships for Aboriginal and Torres Portal that facilitates the connection of employees from Newspaper Publisher; Periodical, Book and Directory Publishers; and Internet Publishing 50% Strait Islander students. diverse backgrounds. and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals. MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 11 Building a Culture of Inclusion Health & Wellness Across our businesses, we are working to strengthen our culture of inclusion by providing trainings for managers and teams to mitigate personal We also offer a range of health and wellness benefits competitive with regional benchmarks to meet the needs of our employees. These include biases and gain skills for inclusive leadership, as well as workplace conduct trainings as part of our Global Compliance program. Our businesses health insurance or supplemental insurance schemes as is regionally relevant, life and disability insurance, paid time off, flexible working have established various employee resource groups and committees focused on bringing together, advocating for and strengthening like-minded arrangements, generous parental leave policies, and physical and mental health benefits. We further enhanced our benefits programs to support employee interests, many of which are sponsored by their respective leadership teams. Our products and brands also seek to reflect and represent our employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. the diversity of viewpoints in our global communities. BUSINESS UNIT WELLNESS PROGRAMS EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS U.S. Business Units (News Corp HQ, Video-based cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep improvement, family care coordination, Dow Jones, realtor.com®, New York Post, backup childcare services and fertility programs, and virtual wellness programs HarperCollins, Storyful) Peer Support Victoria; Proactive Wellbeing Programs as an extension of traditional Employee News Australia Assistance Programs (EAP) (The Resilience Box); Fortnightly wellbeing surveys; Leader briefings and wellbeing webinars News UK Weekly wellbeing survey, virtual yoga and fitness classes; Wellbeing event and competition program Proactive wellbeing approach (portal and resources beyond EAP); Foxfit online and on campus Foxtel Group fitness and wellbeing program, regular pulse surveying on wellbeing, regular engagement and upskilling of leaders in mental health and wellbeing Daily Zoom-free time, Summer Fridays program; REA Asia: Group Seminar, Benny Button, REA EAP, Mindfulness Break, AIA, Vitality, Employee Appreciation Day Occupational Health & Safety The safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers and business partners is a top priority. Our health, safety and security efforts span every sector of our business and each market in which we operate — from ensuring safety and security in our offices and facilities, to mitigating the risks faced by our journalists reporting in the field. Our facilities and operations teams enforce environmental health and safety standards compliant with jurisdictional regulations at all offices and print facilities. Our physical security teams address risks related to the workplace, employee travel, business operations and the unique requirements of the newsroom. The safety of our people and operations throughout the world are monitored 24 hours a day through our Global Security Operations Center — we are always prepared to provide emergency support and safety guidance. Compensation & Benefits News Corp’s compensation and benefits programs focus on attracting, retaining and motivating top talent and reflect a broad range of priorities based on our diverse global workforce. We rigorously analyze our pay programs to ensure they are competitive, fair and effective at attracting and retaining talented employees. Our short- and long-term incentive programs are designed to motivate and reward strong performance and the delivery of challenging business objectives. All of our businesses have programs and processes in place designed to regularly monitor pay practices and work towards ensuring pay equity. Financial benefits also include financial education and retirement programs (including employer Wall Street Journal reporter Jennifer Levitz, left, with photographer Jehad Nga, right, contributions into most of our retirement schemes). reporting on COVID-19 from a Boston hospital. MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 12 TRUSTED NEWS & INFORMATION Maintaining rigorous standards of truth and responsibility is a core value of our company and our newsrooms. From the trusted news the world needs to hear, to compelling stories that change lives, to homes people dream of living in, our businesses and products move us ever closer to There is a profound social purpose to what we do achieving a more informed and prosperous society. News Corp’s mastheads, radio and television programming, podcasts, news services, books, and other premium content platforms deliver the facts, data and inspiration that cultivate incalculable educational and societal benefits. Dow Jones’ Risk & Compliance division helps businesses every day at News Corp, and organizations ensure compliance with laws and regulations around the world. realtor.com® offers comprehensive property data to help consumers make important real estate decisions and informs economic research that drives public policy. Storyful helps news organizations around the world discern what is real and what is fake in the ever-expanding universe of digital content. From Wall Street to Washington, as we enlighten and Hollywood to Hong Kong, London to Sydney, News Corp is a valued source of insight, helping people make connections between facts and knowledge, data and understanding. News Corp, together with its businesses and employees, succeeds in this mission thanks to the creativity and curiosity embedded in the company’s engage millions of people DNA. As the marketplace of ideas becomes crowded, News Corp stands out because it stands up for values that abide: adhering to the highest of editorial standards, presenting a multitude of voices to reflect a genuine diversity of thought, promoting news literacy and protecting the rights of creators in a digital world too often defiled by the theft of intellectual property. around the globe. The Wall Street Journal is the most trusted national newspaper in the U.S., according to a recent survey by the Reuters Institute. MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 13 Editorial Standards All employees of our newsrooms adhere to rigorous standards of Standing Up truth and responsibility. For example, at The Wall Street Journal, the Standards & Ethics team works closely with journalists throughout the reporting process to ensure fair, accurate and impartial journalism across coverage areas, and employees must comply with Our news outlets call leaders to account, expose the Dow Jones Code of Conduct. News UK’s media brands abide corruption and wrongdoing at the highest levels, run campaigns that change laws, and give a voice by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) rules and to those who need it most. Our book publishers regulations and the Editors’ Code of Practice that Ipso enforces. stand up to threats of censorship and amplify News Corp Australia employees follow the company’s Editorial the authors who might otherwise go unread. Our Code of Conduct and its newspapers are regulated by The Australian digital real estate businesses support equal housing Press Council. Our Standards of Business Conduct also contain opportunities for all. Our Australian subscription provisions on identifying and avoiding conflicts of interest. video services are increasing the visibility and accessibility of women’s sport. Multiplicity of Voices In a world under stress from partisanship and extremism, where many find themselves isolated in claustrophobic cantons of commonality, News Corp is an uncommon, refreshing change of pace, welcoming speech that is truly free. Not all readers agree with all we publish, and not all of the editorial voices in our publications Promoting News Literacy Protecting the Rights of Creators agree with each other. We believe that is how it should be. We are proud that our mastheads are among the most trusted, by readers Freedom of speech and the press are essential to our work and to For more than a decade, News Corp has waged an often lonely fight on both sides of the political spectrum. the democratic principles we hold dear. But protecting that freedom against the rising power of big tech platforms, whose popularity means taking responsibility for separating truth from falsehood, was built in part by pilfering the news and information created • The Wall Street Journal remains the most trusted national fact from fiction, and ensuring we always remain a credible and by journalists and publishers. As the digital giants accumulated newspaper in the U.S., according to a recent survey by the trusted source for the people we seek to serve. That profound audiences and advertising, in large part by serving up highly engaging Reuters Institute. social purpose impels us to include news literacy alongside our news content for which they paid nothing, they used those unearned commitment to a free press as a significant pillar of our audience audiences to spirit away advertising dollars, which caused newspapers • A 2021 Pew Research Center study found that The Wall Street and community engagement. and other media outlets to shrink or close, and journalists lost their Journal and the New York Post were among the top newspapers jobs. At the same time, the incoming tide of social media polarized that appeal to a politically “mixed” audience. The News Literacy program of The Times and Sunday Times — the societies and prioritized the viral over the vetted and verified. first free media literacy instituted for students in the U.K. when it • The Times was named the most trusted national newspaper in launched in 2018 — gives students ages 14-16 tools to think critically News Corp’s leadership, in standing up for the concept of paying Britain by The University of Oxford’s Reuters Institute for the and confidently about the news through lessons created by top a premium for premium content, eventually found allies, from Study of Journalism (2018). editors and journalists. News Corp Australia’s KidsNews website publishers and politicians in capitals, courtrooms and congresses publishes educationally focused news content for students. Storyful’s around the world. Key alliances began to be made between News Our businesses are proud to promote inclusive content. For work with social platforms helps to support the identification and Corp and other journalistic creators and tech giants like Apple, example, in 2020, News UK launched Studio PI, an independent mitigation of online misinformation. Google and Facebook, paving the way for a new era where respect photography and illustration agency for underrepresented artists. is shown and payments are made to those who report real news and In book publishing, HarperCollins recently appointed diversity In 2021, The Wall Street Journal launched a news literacy initiative create content whose value is in increasing demand. officers dedicated to focusing on publishing more diverse and in partnership with News Corp Giving partner, the News Literacy traditionally underrepresented voices and reaching more diverse Project (NLP). This new resource is designed to educate readers In 2019, News Corp reached agreements with both Apple News audiences. The Foxtel Group has a proactive editorial focus on on the standards and ethics that are fundamental to its journalism and Facebook to establish pay models for premium content shared diversity in programming and on-air talent, invests in women’s and highlight the differences between its News and Opinion via their services, and in doing so have provided a model for other sport in key partnerships, and shows more women’s sport than sections. Dow Jones employees also volunteered to teach students publishers to follow. In 2021, we agreed to a multi-year partnership any other broadcaster in Australia. in the NLP “Newsroom to Classroom” program about the with Google to provide trusted journalism from our news sites importance of media literacy. around the world in return for significant payments by Google. MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PHILANTHROPY 14 At News Corp, community engagement and philanthropy are integral to our mission and culture. Through News Corp Giving, our charitable In addition to our business grant and employee volunteering program, we strive to improve the lives of others and increase opportunity for all within the communities where we live and work. We responded to the extraordinary events of 2020-2021 with contributions to COVID-19 relief and Australian bushfire recovery as well as support for non-profits focused on minority communities. units’ philanthropy, Our employees play an integral role in the program by nominating non-profit organizations for grants each year. Since the start of News Corp Giving at the Company’s inception in 2013, we have contributed financial support and other resources to more than 100 charities, many of which benefit young people, people News Corp Giving has of color, women, families and veterans, along with organizations that defend freedom of the press and promote news literacy. In addition to our direct charitable giving, through News Corp Match, which we recently provided over $40 million expanded globally, we match employee charitable donations dollar-for-dollar up to $500 Through our partnership with American Corporate Partners, annually per employee. Since the inception of the program in 2015, we have provided News Corp employees volunteer as mentors to U.S. veterans more than $800,000 to over 1,000 organizations. In 2021, we launched a volunteer rewards in charitable funding and military spouses. program that matches employee volunteer time with a donation of $10 per hour. OUR GIVING PILLARS since 2013. EDUCATION We invest in students through JOURNALISM A free press is the hallmark of a robust VETERANS We partner with organizations that provide organizations that provide innovative and functioning democracy. As a company assistance to men and women who have approaches to learning, especially in committed to informing with a purpose, served our nation as they transition from under-resourced communities. we support organizations that educate the armed services to civilian life, pursue students and citizens about news literacy an education, seek new jobs and work Key Partner and protect and defend the ability of towards a better future for their families. journalists to fulfill their vital function around the world. Key Partner Key Partner Since 2014, News Corp has supported Girls Who Code in helping to close the gender gap in the science and technology More than 240 of our employees have industries. In addition to financial volunteered with American Corporate donations of over $1.5 million, we have Partners, providing one-on-one mentorship, provided opportunities for students to career counseling and networking network with News Corp executives, As part of our ongoing support of the opportunities to hundreds of veterans learn about the ways we utilize technology News Literacy Project, this year, The Wall and military spouses nationwide. across our businesses and practice coding Street Journal hosted a NewsLitCamp applications with our employees. designed to equip educators across the country with resources and training to teach news literacy and help students navigate today’s complex information landscape. MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 15 News Corp Giving works closely with each of our business units to ensure they have opportunities to support and drive impact on causes that are most important to their local communities. The Foxtel Group’s community strategy focuses on the wellbeing of young people and promoting an inclusive Australia. Its flagship programs support mental wellbeing, children’s health (including through support of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute) The Dow Jones Foundation provides contributions to outstanding organizations that and reconciliation with First Nations people. In 2021, the Foxtel Group published its sixth support their core values in two key areas: Journalism & Freedom of the Press; and Literacy Reconciliation Action Plan, which articulates its vision for using its platforms to showcase & Education. In making grant decisions, the Foundation looks for meaningful DEI impacts. the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and helping to shape a national Foundation grant recipients have a proven track record of improving the lives of people culture that values respect, equality and equity for First Nations peoples. The Foxtel and organizations in the communities in which they operate and around the globe. In 2021, Group provided approximately A$10.7 million in advertising airtime to a wide range of Dow Jones provided grants to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the News charities including Reach Out, Raise Foundation, R U OK? and the Starlight Foundation. Literacy Project, Easterseals, Akshaya Patra Foundation and Out in Tech, among others. In 2020, the company led the creation and broadcast of Firefight Australia, a concert that raised over A$10 million for bushfire recovery efforts, and donated A$500,000 of The Dow Jones News Fund is a 501(c)(3) foundation that operates journalism training and proceeds from advertising packages sold during special sport and entertainment bushfire internship programs for high school and college students, with a focus on business reporting charity events. and digital media skills. The Dow Jones Foundation is the News Fund’s largest funder. News Corp Australia’s News in the Community program works to inform, advocate and inspire to build a better Australia through its pillars: stronger communities, education for all, a healthy nation and news responsibility. This year, the program raised A$17.1 million through the Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital, carrying on a 90-year relationship that has contributed A$399 million to the institution. The company continues to use its voice to champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through its Reconciliation Action Plan and Clontarf Foundation partnership. The Bushfire Working Group has pledged over A$6.8 million to assist in the immediate response and ongoing support of those affected by the bushfires. FOX SPORTS Australia is the official media partner of the Clontarf Foundation, which engages young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys through sport to keep them in school and improve their life outcomes. News UK’s charitable work spans editorial campaigns, corporate donations, community engagement and the News Academy, which launched The Times and Sunday Times News Literacy program to educate secondary school students on how to think critically about the news they consume. This year, The Sun raised £10 million through its Save the Poppy Appeal for the Royal British Legion, which supports veterans, and £1 million for NHS Charities Together. Virgin Radio’s Dine & Disco auction raised £1.9 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The company also formed partnerships with The Marine Conservation Society and Trees for Cities. As part of its wider DEI strategy, News UK works with the Brixton Finishing School to facilitate reverse mentoring between its News Corp Australia’s Good Friday Appeal has been benefiting the Royal Children’s Hospital for 90 years. executive team and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
2021 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT 16 REA Group works with organizations focused on tackling homelessness, providing realtor.com® sponsors The Good Neighbor Awards, which recognize Realtors who have both financial and in-kind support to charity partners including Launch Housing, made an extraordinary impact in their communities through volunteer work. In 2021, Orange Sky Australia and The Big Issue. realtor.com® also donated to Habitat for Humanity, Trevor Project and the American Red Cross for hurricane and wildfire relief. As part of its advocacy for fair housing rights in the U.S., realtor.com® partners with organizations including the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the Asian Real Estate Association of America and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. Storyful donates to organizations in the U.S., U.K., Ireland and Australia including The National Association of Black Journalists, The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Combat Stress, which offers treatment and support for veterans, and Dignity, which addresses homelessness. The New York Post collaborates with both local and national charities. In 2021, they supported Opportunity Network, America Needs You and The NJ Homeless Veterans Project and donated over $1 million in print and digital media space to Partnership to End Addiction, the Paley Center for Media and others. LIST OF GRANTEES In fiscal 2021, News Corp Giving provided support to: • 826 NATIONAL • FEEDING AMERICA • PARENTCHILD+ New hires at REA Group build furniture for people supported by their charity partner, Launch Housing. • A BETTER CHANCE • FOURBLOCK FOUNDATION • PER SCHOLAS • AGE UK • GIRLS WHO CODE • POSSE FOUNDATION HarperCollins’s philanthropic efforts center on promoting education and literacy for all, • AMERICA NEEDS YOU • GRACE OUTREACH • POWERMYLEARNING supporting authors and their freedom of expression and helping local communities. Their • AUSTRALIAN WILDFIRE • HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS • PROJECT SUNSHINE philanthropy gives special consideration to organizations that support people from diverse RELIEF FUND backgrounds and under-represented groups. In 2021, the company donated tens of thousands • HUNGER FREE AMERICA • ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL of books, including significant donations to Housing Works, Literacy Partners’ Books of • CHANGE FOR KIDS • HURSTON/WRIGHT FOUNDATION • SAFE HORIZON Their Own program and Save the Children. Additionally, HarperCollins continued to support • COMMITTEE TO • LET’S GET READY • THE SALVATION ARMY Volunteers of America — Greater New York’s Operation Backpack®, which provides grade- PROTECT JOURNALISTS specific school supplies to students living in New York City homeless or domestic violence • LITERACY PARTNERS • URBAN ALLIANCE • DC-CAP shelters. The company celebrated its seventh year of partnership with education non-profit • MURDOCH CHILDREN’S • YOUTH INC • DIRECT RELIEF Change for Kids, and directed funds to a variety of non-profits, including Act to Change, RESEARCH INSTITUTE Girls Write Now, the Hurston/Wright Foundation and Lambda Literary. • DONORSCHOOSE • NATIONAL BOOK FOUNDATION • EAGLE ACADEMY • NHS CHARITIES TOGETHER MESSAGES ABOUT NEWS CORP OUR ESG MISSION COVID-19 RESPONSE ENVIRONMENT OUR CULTURE & PURPOSE GOVERNANCE ESG PERFORMANCE DATA GRI, SASB & TCFD INDICES
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