Empire’s gay story line on FOX caused controversy and helped it’s ratings soar
Move over Logo and Bravo, there are gayer networks moving’ on up. GLAAD has released the ninth—and final—edition of their Network Responsibility Index (NRI). This rates TV networks on the quality –and quantity– of representation by the LGBT community.
FOX was one of two networks —and the only broadcast network— to get the grade of “Excellent” with 45.4 percent of LGBT-inclusive original programming hours. That’s THE highest % GLAAD has ever tracked for a broadcast network. The network, in total, was up 9 percent from last year. ABC Family is #1 with 74 %.
Shows like Glee, Empire and How to Get Away With Murder created shows that both featured LGBT-inclusive characters and were cast with a high number of people of color within that community. GLAAD CEO & President Sarah Kate Ellis said;
“This milestone highlights real change across the media landscape—especially considering that the network received a “Failing” grade in the NRI’s first two editions.”
ABC, CW, FX, HBO, MTV and Showtime received a grade of “good.” CBS, NBC, TLC, TNT, and USA were bestowed an “adequate” rating while A&E and History, which had 0% representation, received a “failing” grade.
Sarah Kate Ellis said;
“GLAAD’s Network Responsibility Index has helped reshape the television landscape, inspiring LGBT characters and storylines that move acceptance forward. As representations of LGBT people in the media continue to rise in number, pushing television networks to make those representations more diverse is more crucial than ever. This requires a different set of tools than the NRI provides, and as such GLAAD will shift focus to its annual TV diversity and transgender reports.”
Out of 362 hours of original programming, History failed to feature a single LGBT impression. GLAAD says that The History’s Channel’s content may not easily lend itself to diverse storylines, they are urging the cable network to expand into historical-based or period dramas that also include LGBT characters.
Broadcast Networks:
FOX: 45%, up from 36%
THE CW: 45%, up from 33%
ABC: 32%, down from 34%
NBC: 28%, down from 37%
CBS: 27%, down from 28%
ABC Family’s “The Fosters,” is about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms
Cable Networks:
ABC FAMILY: 74%, up from 42%
FC: 54%, up from 49%
SHOWTIME: 41%, up from 34%
HBO: 31%, same as previous year
MTV: 30%, down from 49%
USA: 23%, up from 17%
TNT: 19%, up from 9%
TLC: 18%, up from 17%
A&E: 8%, up from 6%
HISTORY: 0%, same as previous year
This is GLAAD’s last year for the Network Responsibility Index. Now they will focus on their “Where We Are On TV Report,” which works to increase the diversity of LGBT images on TV, as well as its film-focused “Studio Responsibility Index” and “Transgender Images on TV” reports. (via The Daily Beast)
The post #NoLGBT: GLAAD Says FOX & ABC Family Get High Marks But There Are NO GAYS on The History Channel!? appeared first on World of Wonder.
