SONY
When CSR Aligns with Consumer Values
Sony, with its headquarters here in Rancho Bernardo, recently made several major technological and community announcements. Now in its 50th year as an exhibitor at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the announcements span technological innovations as well as community partnerships. Sony’s commitment to local, national and global communities covers diversity, equity and inclusion, sustainability and will lead the way in the industry for years to come.
The announcements and insights were made at a seminar lead by industry leaders including Sony Electronics Inc. President and COO Mike Fasulo, NPD Group CEO Karyn Schoenbart, Sony Alpha Female and Co-Founder of SeaLegacy Cristina Mittermeier, Sony Music Group EVP of Philanthropy and Social Impact Towalame Austin, and Sony Electronics Inc. Head of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility Cheryl Goodman. As a creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology, Sony empowers creators and enables authentic emotional experiences across consumer and professional film, television, music and gaming categories.
One of the major technological innovations was the announcement of the world’s first cognitive intelligence televisions. The brain of the new BRAVIA XR televisions uses a completely new processing method designed to replicate the ways humans see and hear – detecting and analyzing picture elements like color, contrast and detail individually. It also analyzes sound position in the signal, so the sound matches precisely with what is on the screen, upconverting any sound to 3D surround sound. “Sony’s goal is to offer viewers the best and most immersive experience – authentically delivering the creator’s true intent,” Mike Fasulo, president and chief operating officer of Sony Electronics, Inc. shared with GB Magazine “Our new BRAVIA CORE technology and the XR lineup takes the industry to the next level with a powerful, cinematic experience, enabled by the world’s first TVs with cognitive processors.”
Not only does Sony lead the electronics industry, but it is leading the way in Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Justice with a commitment that is clear and substantial.
Sony Corporation of America made a $1.7 million product donation to the International African American Museum. The in-kind donation of Sony Technology is made possible through the Sony’s Global Social Justice Fund, on behalf of Sony Corporation and its U.S. affiliates. Sony Electronics’ industry-leading technology will be used to create displays and interactive experiences throughout the museum, which is set to open in January 2022 at Gadsden’s Wharf in Charleston, South Carolina. “Our close work with the IAAM underscores Sony’s commitment to social justice,” shared Mike Fasulo, “Sony has a rich history in working alongside museums to help creatively bring important stories to light to empower and inform a new generation, and we look forward to seeing the museum open next year.”
Closer to home, teens will continue getting hands-on experience with the latest tech – including sound and video production, digital photography and graphic design – at the Best Buy Teen Tech Center Powered by Sony. Sony has supported the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at the San Marcos Boys & Girls Club since it opened in 2017 and is recommitting support for the next five years. The tech center is housed at San Marcos Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA). “Sony is pleased to provide students the best in technology – we know these experiences can help pave the way for STEAM jobs of the future,” said Cheryl Goodman, Head of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Sony Electronics. “We are pleased to renew our commitment with the Teen Tech Centers while we strengthen tomorrow’s workforce with diverse, creative voices.”
In addition, Sony formed a partnership with The Art of Confidence Project to help bridge the gap in communities and empower our youth. This partnership allows the organization to work with children and help them through personal and community issues. The nonprofit organization in Illinois is focused on helping empower youth while restoring their confidence – whether it is hair discrimination, loss of hair from cancer, or deformities, they are there to show them their authentic selves.
An example of Sony’s commitment to the environment is its partnership with conservation photographer and Sony Artisan Of Imagery, Cristina Mittermeier, cofounder of SeaLegacy. She has published and edited 24 coffee table books on conservation issues and her work has been published in prestigious publications including Science and Nature. Cristina is a Sony Artisan of Imagery, and was recently recognized as one of the World’s top 40 Most Influential Outdoor Photographers
