GLAAD announced Tuesday the results of its fifth annual Network Responsibility Index (NRI), a survey that evaluates both the quantity and quality of television airtime featuring LGBT people. The 2010-2011 index, which GLADD describes as “a road map toward increasing fair, accurate and inclusive LGBT media representations,” indicated that cable and broadcast networks nationwide are taking the proper steps to become more inclusive of the LGBT community.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the CW was rated number one among the broadcast networks for the second consecutive year, airing 171 hours of LGBT-inclusive programming (33% of their total air time) over the past year. Fox came in second with 29% LGBT air time, followed by ABC with 23%. Each network also received a rating of “Good” based on the quality and diversity of the LGBT programming.
ABC Family was the highest rated cable network, airing an impressive 57 LGBT-inclusive hours out of 103 hours of total programming time. GLAAD awarded the network an “Excellent” rating for its positive portrayal of LGBT people on shows such as Pretty Little Liars and Greek, making it the second network ever to receive a perfect rating.
TBS and A&E were the only networks to receive “Failing” grades for their lack of LGBT programming. Both networks have failed for the past four years and, thus far, have yet to incorporate more gay-inclusive programs into their broadcasts.
