Gay Newsmen — A Clearer Picture: Part II

Former CNN correspondent Thomas Roberts reminded us that when it comes to television news, "at the end of the day, it's a business," and that these choices are made against a backdrop of green. As Stevens explained, "When you work for a major company, there's a lot in terms of ad revenue that's at stake there."

"They're afraid that they'll lose some of their audience," said Jason Bellini, former CNN correspondent and now host of CBS News on Logo. "That they'll be less relatable to their audience. … Some people think that [coming out] will hurt their careers."

Brown said that some see it as survival. "They've got mortgages to pay," he said. "And if they're scared, or, you know … look, there's a lot of actors in Hollywood who won't come out. So it's the same sort of mentality across the board."

When you're failing to go there, you're making a statement: That there's something not quite right

Brown thinks it's important to remember that there are gay on-camera newspeople who choose not to come out, and "they're respected and wonderful journalists. And I'm in no way going to throw stones at that."

Brown does draw the line, however, when individuals choose to be the story. "If somebody's doing a profile on you, and you can't be forthcoming about who you are, then you shouldn't agree to the profile," said Brown. "Are you going to straighten up the house so that people think that you're one way? I mean, that's just my opinion."

Bellini explained that "the media is often times an accomplice in the closet." He said if the issue isn't in someone's "talking points," the media will "respect someone's wishes under the guise of privacy." And Bellini finds it strange that when it comes to public figures, the media will discuss divorces, affairs, "their wife, their kids, everything else is fair game — except being gay." He believes, "When you're failing to go there, you're making a statement: That there's something unacceptable. That there's something not quite right."

This "conspiracy of silence," as Bellini called it, is referred to by Michael Musto and others as "the glass closet," wherein gay public figures live very open lives among elite media, entertainment and political circles, but that fact is concealed in unique and some might say patronizing ways from mainstream America. And to a certain extent, it's their friends in the media who give them a pass on this issue.

We asked ABC senior vice president Schneider if it's a double standard that media — including ABC broadcasts — will often mention a straight public figure's most recent love interest whether they want it mentioned or not, but will remain silent regarding the long-term partners of gay public figures simply because they don't want it revealed. Schneider took a long pause to mull the question over. He interrupted his silence once to explain, "I'm thinking," then took another 15 seconds before finally surrendering with, "What's your other question?”

Brown said that "absolutely" the rest of America misses out when they don't get to experience the full spectrum of who gay people are in the same way straight people within media enclaves do. And CBS' Mason also thinks that "if gay on-air folks could see it that way and had the strength to come out openly for the public as well, it could work to change perceptions."

When NBC's Wallace was asked if NBC would stand behind an on-camera news anchor or host who chose to be honest with outside press about sexual orientation, she responded: "100 percent. I am telling you. That is not the company answer. That is my answer. … This is a very, very supportive organization." Even if it got rocky? "Yes. Even if it got rocky."

In a follow-up email, ABC's Schneider said "of course" ABC would support any on-camera talent who chose to acknowledge their sexual orientation in press interviews, whatever the public reaction might be.