ITV

Tag: US TV networks

  • US TV networks managing to improve diversity: report

    US TV networks managing to improve diversity: report

    MUMBAI: A multi-ethnic coalition has praised US TV networks for boosting the profile of Latino talent. On the flip side they still have a long way to go in terms of giving Asian Americans and Native Americans a fair representation

    Each year American organisation The Multi-Ethnic Media Coalition issues a report card on how networks are representing minorities. This year the four major broadcast networks ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox all received A grades for their commitment to achieving racial diversity. Various pressure groups which have signed up to the Multi-Ethnic Media Coalition gave their verdicts on how they perceived minority races to be represented.

    Fox came out on top for its new Latino-based sitcom Luis and the forthcoming comedy The Ortegas. It scored a B-plus for its overall progression towards multi-ethnic diversity for all cultures, and an A for its portrayal of Latinos, who make up 14 per cent of the US population.

    The Asian Pacific American Media Coalition gave a less positive view of the inclusion of Asian Pacific’s actors. Although its head Karen Narasaki, praised the four networks with a “continuing commitment to trying to open up opportunities for minorities” she added that progress for Asian Pacific people had been slow.

    “With the exception of NBC, the major networks have made almost no progress in providing greater opportunities for Asian Pacific American actorsThe problem of Asian and native Americans are that we’re seen perpetually as foreigners.” she said.

    NBC has two Asian Pacific actors in leading or regular roles – Jodi Long on Miss Match and Lindsay Price on Coupling.

  • US TV networks in spat over Emmies telecast

    US TV networks in spat over Emmies telecast

    LOS ANGELES:The US telecast rights for the prestigious Emmy Awards hang in the balance. 

    The problem stems from the fact that the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences wants the four major broadcasters of American television to cough up more money which they are refusing to do.

    According to a Reuters report, officials of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences have said that HBO had agreed to pay $10 million a year for exclusive rights to carry the Primetime Emmy Awards for the next five years.

    If the deal gets the nod at a meeting of the Academy board of governors tonight, the organisation would get more than triple the $3 million paid to the Academy annually for the past four years under a licensing “wheel” by which the networks namely CBS, ABC, Fox and NBC took turns airing the Emmys. A network executive however indicated that an offer in the six to seven million dollar range could be considered.

    So far, Academy officials have expressed dissatisfaction at the offer the networks put on the table and this could lead to a situation where the awards could shift to cable television. CBS has already threatened to withdraw support to the ATAS if the deal with HBO comes into effect. 

    Another possibility, says the Reuters report, is that the four spurned broadcasters could organise an awards show of their own, excluding cable, if the Academy moved the Emmys to HBO. Networks could also refuse to submit nominations for the awards and insist that their stars not pay attention. However, both parties have stated that they want to avoid an ugly skirmish which could have a long term adverse effect on the industry.