GLAAD's 2010 Network Responsibility Index: Fox Improves But How Deserving is the Network?

Last week, GLAAD released its 4^th annual Network Responsibility Index. The purpose of the report is to evaluate GLBT representation on television by trying to assign a quantitative number to GLBT representation on primetime television for the five major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, NBC) and the top ten cable networks (MTV, ABC Family, TNT, Showtime, Lifetime, FX, HBO, USA, A&E, TBS).

For an explanation of how GLAAD defines their methodology, please read our post yesterday on GLAAD’s rating for The CW.

Today we take a look at Fox, which has always had a spotty relationship with GLBT representation in their programming. GLAAD notes that they once gave the network a failing grade for only featuring GLBT characters in 6.4% of their programming time, causing Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly to tell AfterElton.com that they “absolutely” had a responsibility to represent GLBT lives.

The following year the network’s percentage dropped to 4%.

So what caused Fox to skyrocket to 30% inclusiveness this year, a jump of 19 points and a grade of adequate? Most of it came from two gay judges on reality programming. This year Fox ratings powerhouse American Idol added Ellen DeGeneres as a judge to their lineup, while So You Think You Can Dance added Adam Shankman to their judging panel. That’s a huge spike in representation which is a very good thing.

Ellen made a lot of jokes from the judges table, some about being a lesbian.

However, reality programs are (rightly) about the contestants and the competition, and usually don’t allow for the same sort of personal connection viewers develop with scripted characters. So while it is a net positive that Fox doesn’t feel that having a gay or lesbian judge will hurt its shows, it also doesn’t do that much for gay visibility as the programs themselves don’t really allow for any discussion of GLBT issues, or visibility for our lives. And it should be noted the fact that these two shows take up three hours or more a week on the Fox schedule inflates the numbers in the network’s favor.

This is a point that GLAAD acknowledges in their report by saying that percentage ratings may mean less in some circumstances.

On the scripted side of Fox's programming, Glee is the standout show for Fox, with Kurt’s coming out, his relationship with his father taking and friends taking center stage in the first season. The network has deservedly earned praise for the portrayal of the unapologetically gay Kurt, and both the show and the character mark Fox’s best gay representation in years, if not ever. Glee alone earns the network its Adequate rating.

Burt Hummel is the dad every gay boy deserves.