GLAAD's 2010 Network Responsibility Index: On CBS, Gay Characters Are Grounded In Reality

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 Monday on GLAAD’s rating for The CW. Our look at Fox’s representation was improved while  ABC continued to have a stellar record. NBC put in the effort on GLBT characters.

Today we look at the network of Norman Lear, who built shows around characters like Archie Bunker to call out racism, homophobia, and women’s rights. Those days are behind CBS.

As one of the original Big Three networks, CBS produces 1,147 hours of original primetime programming. Of that, they managed only 79.5 hours of GLBT representation, or 7%. This dismal performance prompted GLAAD to award them yet another failing grade.

After their previous grade, CBS President Nina Tassler said, “We want to do better.”

That was in August 2009. So much for "wanting"to improve.

Over the past year, CBS still had no regular or recurring characters on any scripted program on the entire network in primetime.  Of the 79.5 hours of gay representation the network did have, 63 of them (79%) came from reality programming such as The Amazing Race or Big Brother.

The brother team had the advantage of showing a strong family connection.

This year’s series of The Amazing Race featured brothers Jordan and Dan Pious as well as lesbian couple Carole and Brandy. The brothers did the show as a bonding experience, with straight Dan doing it for his gay brother, who loves the show. They ended up bonding their way around the world to first place and a million dollars. It's worth noting that while CBS overall has a dismal record, The Amazing Race has an excellent history of inclusiveness, and never exploits the gay contestants.