GLAAD releases Network Responsibility Index

Today GLAAD is releasing a study analyzing the performance of the five major networks when it comes to LGBT representation. Titled the Network Responsibility Index, the report starts by counting programming hours devoted to LGBT-inclusive primetime entertainment, then factors in quality of representation, diversity, and other data points in order to come up with a percentage score and rating. Of the five nets, none received an Excellent rating, with ABC coming in at the top with a Good (15%) and Fox pulling the caboose with a Failing score (6%).

The report is interesting and fairly in-depth, and it's great to see GLAAD take elements like racial diversity into account when discussing LGBT characters, as well as highlighting the difference in representation in scripted vs. unscripted programming.

But the press release's claim that this is a "first-of-its-kind report" is not entirely true. After all, AfterElton.com released the findings of our Grading the Majors and Cable Network Roundup studies back in March and April, respectively. Our reports, however, did focus solely on gay male and bisexual representation — the focus of our site — while GLAAD's covers all LGBT folks.

Not that there isn't always more room for discussion of the topic, of course. It's interesting that although our study took a history-inclusive approach (looking at the nets' histories as well as current programming) and focused on quality of representation, we also rated ABC highest (although we rated NBC lowest, with Fox and CBS tying closely behind for second-worst). The point is clear: there's a lot of room for improvement, and gay-inclusive shows like ABC's Ugly Betty and Brothers & Sisters are setting a sterling example.