FOX, ABC, ABC Family Are Named Top Networks For LGBT Inclusion By GLAAD

Credit: FOX

GLAAD, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, has released the latest findings for its annual Network Responsibility Index (NRI). The report lists ABC, FOX and ABC Family as the networks with the greatest amount of LGBT-inclusive content in the past year.

FOX was No. 1. according to the data, with 42 percent of the network's primetime programming hours in the 2012-13 TV season including LGBT images, which earned the network a "Good" rating. ABC placed No. 2 among networks with 33 percent inclusion, while ABC Family led among cable networks with 50 percent inclusion. Both networks earned a "Good" rating, as did The CW, MTV, Showtime, and NBC.

Among networks to earn "Adequate" ratings, FX led with 40 percent, followed by CBS, HBO, TLC, TNT and USA Network. However, not every network is as progressive. The History channel came in dead last among all networks with zero percent inclusion, earning a Failing grade.

Yet, despite the gradual progressiveness on TV, no broadcast or cable networks earned an "Excellent" rating this year.

But the NRI wasn't the only study published by GLAAD, as the advocacy organization released an annual “Where We Are on TV” report that basically serves as a head count of LGBT characters for the new TV season. In that study, NBC came out the biggest loser, having the fewest LGBT characters of any major network, finally relieving CBS of its incumbent last place position.

Of TV overall this year, 3.3 percent of series-regular characters — or 26 out of 796 — are LGBT, which is down from last season’s all-time high of 4.4 percent, although higher than 2011-12’s 2.9 percent. Meanwhile, 20 recurring characters are LGBT, down from last season’s 25.

ABC came out on top in the study, thanks to shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Modern Family, Nashville, Back in the Game and Suburgatory. However, ABC wasn't alone at the top of the heap, as the network tied with FOX for highest percentage of LGBT characters, with 5.4 percent thanks largely to Bones, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Glee. The networks were also the only outlets to gain in overall LGBT characters. The CW followed was close behind, however, with 3 percent. CBS also made minor headway with 1.9 percent, although NBC is down at the bottom of the barrel with 1 percent.

Among cable networks, there are a combined 42 LGBT regular characters, an improvement over last year’s 35. There are also a combined 24 recurring LGBT characters. HBO led that pack with 10 characters, followed by Showtime’s eight.

Via: TVLine