An annual “Network Responsibility Index” survey done by GLAAD – the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation – was released last week, ranking network and cable programming on the inclusion of gay-identified and transgender characters and issues.
Five broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox and NBC) and10 cable networks (MTV, ABC Family, TNT, Showtime, Lifetime, HBO, FX, USA, A&E and TBS) were evaluated.
On cable, MTV ranked “excellent,” followed by ABC Family, TNT, Showtime, Lifetime and HBO. USA, A&E and TBS ranked last. On network television, the CW ranked at the top, with CBS in last place.
CBS president Nina Tassler apologized for the network’s programming track record during a fall preview session of the Television Critics Association.
Bob Knight, senior writer for Coral Ridge Ministries, said the television and cable networks’ push to appease gay activists reflects Hollywood values, not American values.
“I don’t think you could see a spike in ratings for any show that goes out of its way to promote being homosexual as something good,” said Knight. “The trend toward having more openly homosexual characters is part of a larger problem – which is a breakdown in respect for God’s plan for human sexuality.”
Caleb H. Price, analyst for CitizenLink, said, “Rather than immediately kowtow to a small percentage of the population that self-identifies as homosexual or transgender, CBS would do well to make every effort to add pro-family content — which has proven to increase viewership in a medium struggling to maintain its market share.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Protect your family. Visit “Movieguide: A family guide to movies and entertainment.”
Learn more about homosexuality and gender issues.
Read, “What does the Research Show about Homosexuality?”
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