As the fall television lineups are well on its way, major networks are being scrutinized to see if their new and return show lineups include diversity.
On November 1st, USA Today graded major broadcast networks on their onscreen diversity progress.
“Grades were determined based on USA TODAY research on the ethnic and racial makeup of scripted primetime fall 2016 series, the percentage of leading roles they represent and the prevalence of diverse themes in the shows,” the report card stated.
ABC ranked the highest, receiving an A-, followed by a B+ for Fox, and NBC tied with CW with a C+. CBS came in last with a C-.
“Top-rated CBS has the worst track record of the majors: All six of its new fall shows are led by white men,” the article explained. “While it’s hastily added minorities to the ensemble casts of procedural dramas, only Elementary and NCIS: Los Angeles feature them in lead roles, and none of its shows embrace racial themes.”
It seems that for some, the conversation around diversity has just started and the media is taking an active role in calling out networks and shows for their diversity or lack thereof.
Race is not the only topic that concerns viewers and media alike.
In July, a study by the Ruderman Family Foundation announced that although 20% of the country’s population includes those with disabilities, about 95% of characters with disabilities on television are played by able-bodied actors.
Gender equality is also a concern.
According to “Boxed In,” the 2016 annual report from San Diego State University’s Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film, “the percentage of female characters featured on broadcast network programs has not increased over the last decade.”
Data revealed that in 2015-16, women comprised 41% of all speaking characters on broadcast network programs while in 2006-07, 42% of women were characters on broadcast network programs.
Networks are trying to look beyond their tv lineups to improve diversity and stereotyping races.
CBS launched a casting initiative this October, designed to discover new performers from across the country and increase the pool of diverse talent for its current dramas and upcoming dramatic pilots.
“We’re timing this initiative to pilot season,” CBS Entertainment President Glenn Geller told the L.A. Times. “The long-term goal is to broaden our already increasing pool of diverse talent.”
Similarly, on November 2nd, Comcast NBCUniversal and The Center for Asian American Media(CAAM) are bringing together major industry players at Universal Studios lot for a forum entitled “Expanding the Conversation: Asian Americans in Media.”
“CAAM is extremely proud to present this forum during a pivotal time in our nation,” said Stephen Gong, CAAM’s executive director in a November 1 announcement. “We hope this conversation will spark real change within the media industry.”
Richard Lui of MSNBC will moderate the forum which will host well known Asian Americans including “Grey’s Anatomy’s” Sandra Oh, Peabody Award-winning director Grace Lee, producer and writer Rashad Raisani.
NBCUniversal’s senior vice president of talent development and inclusion, Karen Horne, will also be at the event.
