Sep 24, 2007News: GLAAD Publishes Its "Where We Are On TV" Survey
By Sven Rabatzky
(USA) - With the start of the 2007-2008 television season, the number of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender characters on scripted network television in USA continues to decline, according to the research of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The analysis shows that, inspite improved quality, with only 7 characters, the LGBT representations will equate only 1.1% of all series regular characters in the 2007-08 broadcast television schedule, a drop in numbers from 9 characters (1.3%) in 2006, respectively 10 (1.4%) in 2005.
GLAAD's "Where We Are on TV" analysis has attempted to asses the character set of the network's scripted programming, for 12 years by now. From information delivered by the five US broadcast networks — ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and The CW — GLAAD reviewed 87 scripted comedies and dramas sheduled to air this upcoming season, and counted a total of 650 characters. The seven regular Gay characters appear on five scripted programs: Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, The Office and the series Cashmere Mafia. Six of these seven characters are on ABC, with no leadd or supporting Gay characters to be included on CBS, FOX or The CW.
"While we acknowledge there have been improvements made in how we are seen on the broadcast networks, most notably on ABC, our declining representation clearly indicates a failure to inclusively reflect the audience watching television," said GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano. "Striving toward diversity isn’t merely the responsible road to take for broadcasters, but as many of television’s highest-rated programs demonstrate, it’s also good for business. One need only look at the growing viewership of cable networks to see how inclusive programming can attract a wider audience."
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
