Hollywood and diversity don’t go hand in hand, and fans and talent alike have held no punches in calling out the industry for its lack of representation.  TV execs at least seem open to the message, and they’re responding by diversifying their lineups.  Some of the buzziest shows of the last year include Atlanta, Insecure, Brown Sugar, and Empire—primetime shows with black talent in front of and behind the camera.  But despite this appearance of more visibility, there’s still work to do.

Each year, GLAAD releases a comprehensive media assessment titled, “Where We Are on TV”.  The primary objective is to call attention to the lack of LGBTQ characters who serve as series regulars on network and cable programming.  But the report also dives into ethnic background.  The most recent report revealed that 20% of broadcast series regulars were black.  This was up 4% from the previous year.

The report cites popular mainstays like Black-ish and How to Get Away with Murder as major contributors to this increase. 

However, there isn’t as much diversity in the director’s chair, the editing suite, or in the writers’ room.  And, of the black characters, less than half were women. 

Representation for POC is important because so many people look to the media for a sense of validation.  When the audience sees characters on television who look like them, it makes them feel valued.  It’s a reminder that their stories matter.

Moving forward, the networks must continue granting access to fresh, new voices like Issa Rae and Donald Glover.  Adding black faces to their lineups isn’t just about bumping up a number.  It’s about telling new stories from original perspectives.  Diversity and inclusion lead to innovation in every workplace—TV is no exception.